Monitoring sites containing switchable optical devices and controllers

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are platforms for communicating among one or more otherwise independent systems involved in controlling functions of buildings or other sites having switchable optical devices deployed therein. Such independent systems include a window control system and one or more other independent systems such as systems that control residential home products (e.g., thermostats, smoke alarms, etc.), HVAC systems, security systems, lighting control systems, and the like. Together the systems control and/or monitor multiple features and/or products, including switchable windows and other infrastructure of a site, which may be a commercial, residential, or public site.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/123,069, entitled “MONITORING SITES CONTAINING SWITCHABLEOPTICAL DEVICES AND CONTROLLERS,” filed Sep. 1, 2016, which is anational phase application of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US15/19031,entitled “MONITORING SITES CONTAINING SWITCHABLE OPTICAL DEVICES ANDCONTROLLERS,” filed Mar. 5, 2015, which claims benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/948,464, entitled “MONITORINGSITES CONTAINING SWITCHABLE OPTICAL DEVICES AND CONTROLLERS,” filed Mar.5, 2014, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/974,677,entitled “MONITORING SITES CONTAINING SWITCHABLE OPTICAL DEVICES ANDCONTROLLERS,” filed Apr. 3, 2014; this application is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/534,175,entitled “MULTIPLE INTERACTING SYSTEMS AT A SITE,” filed Jun. 8, 2017,which is a national phase application of PCT Patent Application No.PCT/US15/64555, entitled “MULTIPLE INTERACTING SYSTEMS AT A SITE,” filedDec. 8, 2015, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/088,943, entitled “MULTIPLE INTERACTING SYSTEMS AT ASITE,” filed Dec. 8, 2014; this application is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/391,122, entitled “APPLICATIONS FORCONTROLLING OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES,” filed Oct. 7, 2014, which isa national phase application of PCT Patent Application No.PCT/US13/36456, entitled “APPLICATIONS FOR CONTROLLING OPTICALLYSWITCHABLE DEVICES,” filed on Apr. 12, 2013, which claims benefit ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/624,175, entitled“APPLICATIONS FOR CONTROLLING OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES,” filed onApr. 13, 2012. Each of the above patent applications is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

Electrically tintable windows such as electrochromic windows, sometimesreferred to as “smart windows,” have been deployed in limitedinstallations. As such windows gain acceptance and are more widelydeployed, they may require increasingly sophisticated control andmonitoring systems, as there may be a various systems interacting withsmart windows for the benefit of buildings and associatedinfrastructure. Improved techniques for managing large installations andinteracting building systems are necessary.

SUMMARY

Certain aspects of the present disclosure pertain to a building systemthat includes a plurality of windows, wherein each window has at leastone switchable optical device and a window network. The window networkincludes a plurality of end window controllers, a plurality ofintermediate controllers, and a master controller. The plurality of endwindow controllers is configured to control a tint level of the at leastone switchable optical device of each window. Each intermediatecontroller is configured to couple with one or more of the plurality ofend window controllers. The master controller is coupled to a networkand is configured to couple with each of the plurality of end windowcontrollers and/or the plurality of intermediate controllers. Control ofthe switchable optical devices is distributed across the end windowcontrollers, the intermediate controllers, and the master controller.The window network is also configured to control the plurality ofwindows based at least in part on user input received by the windownetwork.

In some configurations, the window network may be further configured toconvey a user request to control the switchable optical devices of theplurality of windows. In some configurations, at least one of the endwindow controllers, at least one of the intermediate controllers, or themaster controller is configured to receive the user input. In someembodiments, the window network may be configured respond to a user'sremote control device.

In some embodiments, the system may further include a wall switchconnected to the window network and/or one or more of the windows, wherethe wall switch is configured to issue tint level commands to the one ormore of the windows.

In some embodiments, a plurality of sensors may be configured to providesensor input to the window network. In these cases, the window networkmay be further configured to control the switchable optical devices ofthe plurality of windows based at least in part on the sensor input.

In some embodiments, the window network may be further configured tocontrol the switchable optical devices of the plurality of windows basedat least in part on information obtained by the window network. In someembodiments, the window network may be configured analyze data gatheredfrom user interactions with the window network and modify a mode ofoperating the optically switchable devices of at least some of theplurality of windows based on the data gathered from user interactions.

In some embodiments, the window network comprises a firewall. In someembodiments, the master controller is configured to recognize each ofthe intermediate controllers, each of the end window controllers, andeach of the windows.

In some embodiments, the master controller may be configured to overridethe control of at least one of the controllers and at least one of theend window controllers. Similarly, in some cases, at least one of theintermediate controllers may be configured to override the control of atleast one of the plurality of end window controllers.

In some embodiments, each of the end window controllers may beconfigured to operate in accordance to a first rule set, each of theintermediate controllers may be configured to operate in accordance to asecond rule set, and the master controller may be configured to operatein accordance to a third rule set, where the first, second, and thirdrule sets may be the same or different from each other.

In some embodiments, the distribution of the control of the plurality ofwindows may be changeable by increasing or decreasing the number of endwindow controllers or the number of windows.

In some embodiments, the master controller may be configured toauthenticate one or more of the end window controllers and/or one ormore of the intermediate controllers.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method that may beimplemented on a plurality of sites, wherein at least one of the sitesincludes a plurality of windows, a plurality of end window controllers,a plurality of intermediate controllers, and a master controller. Eachof the windows has at least one switchable optical device, and each ofthe end controllers is configured to control tint level of one or moreof the switchable optical devices. Each intermediate controller iscoupled to one or more of the plurality of end window controllers, andthe master controller is coupled with each of the intermediatecontrollers and to an external network. The control of the plurality ofwindows is distributed across the end window controllers, theintermediate controllers, the master controller, and the externalnetwork. The method includes the operations (a)-(c). In operation (a),logic is used to analyze data gathered from at least some of the windowsand/or controllers at the plurality of sites and learn a modificationand/or a mode of operation. In operation (b), the logic is used to applythe modification to at least one of the sites such that the control ofthe windows is based in part on the modification and/or mode ofoperation learned by the logic. In operation (c) the data gathered fromat least some of the plurality of windows and/or controllers at theplurality of sites is provided to the external network.

In some cases, the sites include a plurality of sensors. The datagathered may include sensor data from the sensors at the sites and/ordata on energy savings for at least one of the sites.

In some cases, the learned modification and/or mode of operation may bebased at least in part on a user preference. In some cases, that methodmay include responding to a remote-control device.

In some cases, at least one of the sites includes a plurality ofcommunication interfaces coupled with the end window controllers.

In some cases, the master controller may be configured to utilize thelogic for applying control algorithms that incorporate the datacollected on the external network. In some cases, the master controllermay be configured to couple with at least one third-party device forsending and receiving control signals.

In some cases, control of the windows may employ the data gathered andprovided to the external network. In some cases, the control of thewindows may be based at least in part on a user input provided via theexternal network.

In some cases, control of the windows may be redistributed amongst theend window controllers, intermediate controllers, and the mastercontroller by increasing or decreasing the number of the end windowcontrollers or windows. In some cases, control of the windows may bebased at least in part on a user input.

In some cases, analyzing data includes analyzing data gathered onweather for at least one of sites and control of the windows is based atleast in part on weather data. In some cases, by controlling thewindows, a temperature of at least one of the sites may be controlled.

These and other features and advantages will be described in furtherdetail with reference to the associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of interacting systems, including a windowsystem, interfacing with one another via APIs.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of a smart window system for interfacing withexternal systems.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram of a network hierarchy with a monitoringnetwork controller.

FIG. 1D depicts a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a site with abuilding management system (BMS) for interacting with a window controlnetwork.

FIG. 1E depicts a block diagram of a building network.

Figure IF is a diagram of components of a window network for controllingfunctions of one or more tintable windows of a building.

FIG. 2 is a graph depicting voltage and current profiles associated withdriving an electrochromic device from bleached to colored and fromcolored to bleached.

FIG. 3 is a graph depicting certain voltage and current profilesassociated with driving an electrochromic device from bleached tocolored.

FIG. 4 depicts a simplified block diagram of components of a windowcontroller.

FIG. 5 depicts a schematic diagram of a room including a tintable windowand at least one sensor.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing some steps of predictive control logic fora method of controlling one or more electrochromic windows in abuilding.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an example of a user interface that can beused to enter schedule information to generate a schedule employed by awindow controller.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a dashboard for site monitoring system.

FIG. 9 presents an example of photosensor data that may be obtained by asite monitoring system.

FIG. 10 presents data showing a window's response is shown in relationto commands issued by a controller for the window. This is anotherexample of site information that may be obtained by a monitoring system.

FIG. 11 shows state transitions of windows controlled by three differentnetwork controllers in a site. This is yet another example of siteinformation that can be monitored and stored.

FIG. 12 shows site monitored data illustrating the case when a multipletinting is required to switch a device from one optical state toanother.

FIG. 13 shows site monitored data indicating degradation in theconnection of a power line to a integrated glass unit.

FIGS. 14A-D show site monitored data comparing zone state changes thatmay be used by the monitoring system to ensure that the control logic isworking properly.

FIG. 15 illustrates monitored data for multiple windows from the samezone but having different switching characteristics.

FIG. 16 illustrates monitor information showing that a zone underconsideration has one of the controllers is out of sync with rest of thecontrollers in the zone.

FIG. 17 provides monitor information for four photosensors, each facinga different direction, on a site.

FIGS. 18A-H present information used by a site monitoring system todetect and analyze a problem with a window controller in a group ofcontrollers for windows on a single facade.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This document describes, inter alia, a platform for communicating amongone or more otherwise independent systems involved in controllingfunctions of buildings or other sites having switchable optical devicesdeployed therein and a platform for monitoring one or more buildings orother sites having switchable optical devices deployed therein. Suchindependent systems include a window control system and one or moreother independent systems such as systems that control residential homeproducts (e.g., NEST (Nest Labs of Palo Alto, Calif.), which controlsthermostats, smoke alarms, etc.), HVAC systems, security systems,lighting control systems, and the like. Together the systems controland/or monitor multiple features and/or products, including switchablewindows and other infrastructure of a site, which may be a commercial,residential, or public site. Networks and related infrastructure thatmay be used with the disclosed embodiments are presented in FIGS. 1A-E,as well as in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/085,179, filedNov. 26, 2014, and in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/951,410, filedNov. 24, 2015, both incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some cases, a site has one or more controllers that control theswitching of one or more deployed devices. The site may also havesensors such as light sensors, thermal sensors, and/or occupancy sensorsthat provide data used in making decisions about when and by how much toswitch the devices. In certain embodiments, the site employs switchableoptical devices such as electrochromic devices on structures such aswindows and/or mirrors. In the description that follows, switchableoptical devices are often referred to as “windows” or “electrochromicwindows.” It should be understood that such terms include structuresother than windows that have switchable optical devices. Further, theswitchable devices are not limited to electrochromic devices, butinclude such other switchable devices as liquid crystal devices,electrophoretic devices, and the like, which may be non-pixelated.

Typically, one of the interacting systems is a window control network.The interacting systems of a site may use sensor output or otherinformation of one system to make decisions about the operation of adifferent system. Further, a system may analyze information it collectsfrom a site (or sites) to provide control instructions or otherinstructions for a different system. One system may, if appropriate,control the functioning of elements of a different system. For example,a window control system may send instructions to a lighting systemand/or an HVAC system to adjust the lighting level or air conditioninglevel in a room or zone where the window system controls tint levels ofwindows. To permit the independent systems to interact they may need toexpress their properties and/or functions via Application ProgrammingInterfaces (APIs).

Systems employ APIs to allow external systems to access data and/orfunctions that are otherwise opaque to the external systems. APIsprovide syntax and a portal to permit the access. For example, an APIfor a window control system may allow access to window sensor data(e.g., temperature) through a URL, user name, and handshake. HomeKitcompliant definitions provide APIs for controlling Apple (Apple Inc. ofCupertino, Calif.) home appliances and Thread compliant definitionsprovide APIs for controlling appliances of many other technologycompanies including NEST and Samsung (Samsung Group of Seoul, SouthKorea). Thread and HomeKit define standard connection protocols formessaging.

In some embodiments, the window control system can be or include a sitemonitoring system. A site monitoring system may analyze information fromsites to determine when a device, a sensor, or a controller has aproblem. The system may, if appropriate, act on the problem. In certainembodiments, the system learns customer/user preferences and adapts itscontrol logic to meet the customer' s goals.

In a related way, the system may learn how to better conserve energy,sometimes through interaction with a site's lighting and/or HVACsystems, and then modify the controller settings accordingly. By doingthis over multiple sites, the system may learn entirely new energycontrol methods, which it can deploy on other sites. As an example, thesystem may learn how to control heating load when confronted with a typeof rapidly changing weather (e.g., a storm). Through experience, thesystem learns how to adjust window tinting, e.g. at sites where stormsoccur frequently, and then apply its learned mode of adjustment to othersites when storms occur there. The system may, in turn, learn somethingnew from adjusting window tint at the latter storm site and relay thatlearning to the previous or other sites.

In certain embodiments, the site monitoring system includes a dashboardthat flags sites with windows, sensors, and/or controllers that are outof specification. The dashboard allows a technician to view the detailsof a flagged window, sensor, or controller and see the log orperformance data of the component. Thus the system allows for proactiveand/or prophylactic adjustment and/or repair of a window, sensor orcontroller, e.g. before the end user may realize the performance of theunit is out of specification. In this way, a better end user experienceis realized.

Terminology

An “optically switchable device” or “switchable optical device” is athin device that changes optical state in response to electrical input.It reversibly cycles between two or more optical states. Switchingbetween these states is controlled by applying predefined current and/orvoltage to the device. The device typically includes two thin conductivesheets that straddle at least one optically active layer. The electricalinput driving the change in optical state is applied to the thinconductive sheets. In certain implementations, the input is provided bybus bars in electrical communication with the conductive sheets.

Examples of optically switchable devices include electrochromic devices,certain electrophoretic devices, liquid crystal devices, and the like.Optically switchable devices may be provided on various opticallyswitchable products, such as windows, mirrors, displays, and the like.In certain embodiments, these products are typically provided in anon-pixelated format.

An “optical transition” is a change in any one or more opticalproperties of an optically switchable device. The optical property thatchanges may be, for example, tint, reflectivity, refractive index,color, etc. In certain embodiments, the optical transition will have adefined starting optical state and a defined ending optical state. Forexample, the starting optical state may be 80% transmissivity and theending optical state may be 50% transmissivity. The optical transitionis typically driven by applying an appropriate electric potential acrossthe two thin conductive sheets of the optically switchable device.

A “starting optical state” is the optical state of an opticallyswitchable device immediately prior to the beginning of an opticaltransition. The starting optical state is typically defined as themagnitude of an optical state which may be tint, reflectivity,refractive index, color, etc. The starting optical state may be amaximum or minimum optical state for the optically switchable device;e.g., 90% or 4% transmissivity. Alternatively, the starting opticalstate may be an intermediate optical state having a value somewherebetween the maximum and minimum optical states for the opticallyswitchable device; e.g., 50% transmissivity.

An “ending optical state” is the optical state of an opticallyswitchable device immediately after the complete optical transition froma starting optical state. The complete transition occurs when opticalstate changes in a manner understood to be complete for a particularapplication. For example, a complete tinting might be deemed atransition from 75% optical transmissivity to 10% transmissivity. Theending optical state may be a maximum or minimum optical state for theoptically switchable device; e.g., 90% or 4% transmissivity.Alternatively, the ending optical state may be an intermediate opticalstate having a value somewhere between the maximum and minimum opticalstates for the optically switchable device; e.g., 50% transmissivity.

“Bus bar” refers to an electrically conductive strip attached to aconductive layer such as a transparent conductive electrode spanning thearea of an optically switchable device. The bus bar delivers electricalpotential and current from an external lead to the conductive layer. Anoptically switchable device includes two or more bus bars, eachconnected to a single conductive layer of the device. In variousembodiments, a bus bar forms a long thin line that spans most of thelength of the length or width of a device. Often, a bus bar is locatednear the edge of the device.

“Applied Voltage” or V_(app) refers the difference in potential appliedto two bus bars of opposite polarity on the electrochromic device. Eachbus bar is electronically connected to a separate transparent conductivelayer. The applied voltage may different magnitudes or functions such asdriving an optical transition or holding an optical state. Between thetransparent conductive layers are sandwiched the optically switchabledevice materials such as electrochromic materials. Each of thetransparent conductive layers experiences a potential drop between theposition where a bus bar is connected to it and a location remote fromthe bus bar. Generally, the greater the distance from the bus bar, thegreater the potential drop in a transparent conducting layer. The localpotential of the transparent conductive layers is often referred toherein as the V_(TCL). Bus bars of opposite polarity may be laterallyseparated from one another across the face of an optically switchabledevice.

“Effective Voltage” or V_(eff) refers to the potential between thepositive and negative transparent conducting layers at any particularlocation on the optically switchable device. In Cartesian space, theeffective voltage is defined for a particular x,y coordinate on thedevice. At the point where V_(eff) is measured, the two transparentconducting layers are separated in the z-direction (by the devicematerials) but share the same x,y coordinate.

“Hold Voltage” refers to the applied voltage necessary to indefinitelymaintain the device in an ending optical state.

“Drive Voltage” refers to the applied voltage provided during at least aportion of the optical transition. The drive voltage may be viewed as“driving” at least a portion of the optical transition. Its magnitude isdifferent from that of the applied voltage immediately prior to thestart of the optical transition. In certain embodiments, the magnitudeof the drive voltage is greater than the magnitude of the hold voltage.An example application of drive and hold voltages is depicted in FIG. 3.

A window “controller” (sometimes referred to as an “end” controller) isused to control the tint level of the electrochromic device of anelectrochromic window. In some embodiments, the window controller isable to transition the electrochromic window between two tint states(levels), a bleached state and a colored state. In other embodiments,the controller can additionally transition the electrochromic window(e.g., having a single electrochromic device) to intermediate tintlevels. In some disclosed embodiments, the window controller is able totransition the electrochromic window to four or more tint levels.Certain electrochromic windows allow intermediate tint levels by usingtwo (or more) electrochromic lites in a single IGU, where each lite is atwo-state lite.

In some embodiments, a window controller can power one or moreelectrochromic devices in an electrochromic window. In certainembodiments, this function of the window controller is augmented withone or more other functions such as antenna transceiver functionalityand/or other functions described below. Window controllers describedherein may provide power to switch the optical state of a device. Forexample, the controller has its own power source and directs applicationof power from the window power source to the window. In otherembodiments, the power source for the optically switchable device may beseparate from the window controller. However, it is convenient toinclude a power source with the window controller and to configure thecontroller to power the window directly, because it obviates the needfor separate wiring for powering the electrochromic window.

Further, the window controllers described herein may be standalonecontrollers which may be configured to control the functions of a singleoptically switchable window or a plurality of such windows, withoutintegration of the window controller into a network such as a buildingcontrol network or a building management system (BMS). Windowcontrollers, however, may be integrated into a window network, abuilding control network, a BMS, or other system.

A “site” refers to a building or other location of installed switchableoptical devices.

The switchable devices are provided in a network and operated under thecontrol of one or more algorithms that collectively make up a windowcontrol system. In some implementations, a site may be monitored and/orcontrolled by a site monitoring system. Transitions from one opticalstate to another may be dictated by programs or logic such as thatdescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. No. 13/772,969, filed Feb.21, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Asite may have other systems that communicate with the window controlnetwork. Examples of the other systems include lighting systems, HVACsystems, fan systems, security systems, and smart thermostat service orother home appliance service. In some cases, the other system is auser-customizable interface for controlling devices in one a pluralityof systems. For example, a user may have window tinting, roomtemperature, and lighting preferences that attach for the user. Suchpreferences may be triggered by the user's manual input, e.g., via amobile device, or a system detecting the user's proximity, e.g., throughcommunication with the user's worn digital sensor or smart mobile phonewhen the user enters a room or zone. Examples of sites includeresidential buildings, office buildings, schools, airports, hospitals,government buildings, etc. Its rooms may have network controlledthermostats such as those provided by NEST.

In some implementations, one or more control functions (e.g.,algorithms) are used to control the switchable devices and may beimplemented on the site by one or more window controllers, networkcontrollers, and/or master controllers (sometimes referred to as amaster network controllers or master window controllers). As describedfurther below, the system may send and/or retrieve data to any or all ofthese controllers depending upon the particular setup at each site thatthe system monitors. For example, the system may communicate with amaster controller at one site, while communicating with networkcontrollers at another site. In some cases, a site monitoring system maybe configured to communicate directly with an end or leaf windowcontroller. For example, a site monitoring system may be configured toassume control over optically switchable devices by communicatingdirectly with a window controller when an intermediate controller (e.g.,a master controller or a network controller) is unresponsive or offlinebut electrical power is still available to the window controller. Thismay occur, for instance, if a master controller loses power, but awindow controller continues to operate on reserve battery power. Thesite monitoring system may additionally be configured to return controlof optically switchable devices to the intermediate controller once theintermediate controller becomes responsive. A site monitoring system maytemporarily exercise direct control over a window controller when, forexample, new firmware is being installed on the intermediate controller,or when the intermediate controller loses power. In another example, thesystem communicates only with master controllers at all sites. In yetanother example, the system may communicate indirectly with one or morewindow controllers at a site, for example, the system may communicatedirectly with a BMS which relays window controller data to the systemand vice versa.

“Window control system” refers to a network or system that controls oneor more optical switchable devices such as windows at a particular siteand accesses and/or maintains data relevant to controlling the windows.A window control system may also be referred to as a window intelligencesystem, a window network, or simply a window system. In someimplementations, a window control system may be monitored and/orcontrolled by a site monitoring system, or a processing center thatcommunicates with multiple sites. It may receive data about theswitchable optical devices and associated controllers and sensors at oneor more sites, and from this data, make decisions about switching thedevices. It may send data and/or control messages to the windows on thesite(s). It may also detect and/or present potential problems, identifytrends in the performance of devices and/or controllers, modifyalgorithms for controlling the switchable optical devices, etc. In someimplementations, the site monitoring system is located remotely from oneor more of the multiple sites that it monitors. In disclosedembodiments, a window control system interacts with other systems.Window control systems are further described below, including thedescription of FIGS. 1A-E. Various examples of window control systemssuitable for use with this disclosure include those described in U.S.Pat. No. 8,705,162, filed Apr. 17, 2012, U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/951,410, filed Nov. 24, 2015, and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/248,181, filed Oct. 29, 2015, each incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

“Monitoring” refers to the collection of information by a window controlsystem or a site monitoring system. The information may relate tosensors, windows, controllers, and other connected systems. Monitoringprovides a site management system with information about the sites itservices. Monitoring may also involve analysis of collected data for,e.g., identification of patterns, trends, and various calculatedparameters. In some cases, information collected through monitoring isused by a site monitoring system to determine how to control devicesand/or systems at sites being monitored.

“Controlling” refers to operating a system or device by transmitting acontrol signal, instructions, and/or a driving signal that causes acontrolled system or device to operate in an intended fashion. Theoperation of an optically switchable window is controlled by a windowcontroller which may be controlled by another controller on a windowcontrol network. In some cases, one or more window control networks maybe controlled by a site monitoring system.

APIs for Window Control Systems

FIG. 1A shows a window control system 103, and associated windows 111,and other systems associated with a site. The figure illustrates themultiple interacting systems and the interfaces between them. Asmentioned, the other systems that interface with the window system 103include third party systems 109 such as HVAC systems, security systems,and lighting systems. Window control system 103 may also interface withbuilding control service entities 105 such as NEST. Still, further,system 103 can interface with third party dashboards 107, which may beused by consultants, etc. to present monitoring and/or performanceinformation about one or more sites. The services provided by any ofthese systems (103, 105, 107, and 109) may be hosted at any of variouslocations. For example, they may be hosted locally on an internal serverand associated databases, or they may be hosted externally on a leasedor owned virtualized collection of servers (e.g., a cloud-basedservice). FIG. 1A shows the logical positions at which APIs may existbetween the entities. Firewalls can exist at any of these locations. Invarious embodiments, “third party systems,” the “building controlservice entities,” and the “dashboards” are systems that are controlledby entities other than the entity that controls the window controlsystem. However, this is not necessarily case. A third party system maysimply be a system that has its own physical and/or logicalinfrastructure that is wholly or partially separate from theinfrastructure(s) of the window control network.

In some embodiments, APIs allow external systems to view data collectedby the window system. This includes data directly collected by thewindow system and also includes information relevant to the externalsystems and derived by the window system from the raw data it collects.

In some embodiments, APIs allow the window control system to access andcontrol third-party systems. For example, a lighting control system mayprovide an API that under certain conditions allow the window controlsystem to access the lighting control system. In some implementations,the window control system employs associated heuristics that permit ortrigger the window control system to control aspects of the externalsystem via an API.

In some embodiments, APIs allow external systems to control aspects of awindow control system such as tinting of windows in a particular zone.As with the prior case, there may be particular conditions that triggerthe allowance of the external system to access the functionality of thewindow control system.

In general, an API interface is deployed or executes on a device orsystem remote from the window controller of a window control system. Forexample, the API may execute at the cloud level or master controllerlevel in window control network. However, this need not be the case, andin fact, it may be desirable to have the API execute at the windowcontroller (or have the window controller contain fail over APIprocessing capability) to maintain inter-system communications in theevent of loss of window network functionality. In such implementations,the local window controller(s) can locally communicate with third partysystems and maintain comfort and service for an occupant.

In some embodiments, when the external network is down due to a networkoutage, server failure, or other reason, the window network willcontinue to function without requiring information gathered from theexternal network. For example, the window network can continue to makeand/or implement tinting control decisions. While during normaloperation, the window network may employ information or commands fromthe external network, the window network may be configured to operateautonomously when the external network becomes unavailable. Suchfunctionality may be implemented in one or more end window controllers,intermediate network controllers, and/or a master controller, any ofwhich may normally communicate, directly or indirectly, with one anotherand external systems.

In some embodiments, in the event of window network device or externalnetwork failure, operation of the window control system may bemaintained through scheduled orders or events. Window system controlinstructions can be scheduled to occur at particular times of day or inresponse to specific events. Thus continuity of window controloperations is maintained even if devices or the external network fails.Examples of scheduling are described below.

Examples of APIs for Window Control Systems

1. A window control system provides raw collected information and/orprocessed information derived from the raw information to an interfacingsystem:

a) Sent information may include sensed data, predicted events, and siteand device product and set up information.

b) Examples (any of these by window, zone, facade, side of a building orother site):

-   -   Temperature—interior or external    -   Sensed solar irradiance—directional    -   Interior photosensors—glass or mullion    -   Solar heat gain,    -   Occupancy—IR, motion,—number of persons in the room    -   Solar calculator (angle, intensity)—azimuthally, inclination    -   Weather—cloud cover    -   Snow on the ground—frozen lake    -   Site and device set up information—Examples follow:        -   GET/sites present metadata about sites, including applicable            ip addresses        -   GET/site/{site_id} presents metadata about a specific site            and the zone groups and zones within that site        -   GET/zone/{zone_id} presets information about a specific            zone, what devices and services are available, etc.

c) The interfacing system receiving this information may use thisinformation to make decisions for controlling and otherwise managing itsown equipment (not windows).

d) The interfacing system can present this information in its owndashboard.

e) The set up information enables peer interfacing systems to provideservices within the context of the window zones that the site owner hasinvested in setting up. For example, the site owner can set up zoneinformation once and use the same zones in controlling lighting,heating, home appliances, etc. Zones for window control systems aredescribed further in the context of PCT Patent Application No.PCT/US13/36456, filed Apr. 12, 2013, and incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

2. The window control system provides its own window tinting information(current and/or future) to an interfacing system:

a) E.g., the window network will increase tint in the windows of zone Zby 30% at time

X. The transition will take time T.

b) The information can be provided per zone or with other set upinformation about the site. This aspects of 1 (e) apply.

c) The interfacing system receiving this information may use thisinformation to make decisions for controlling and otherwise managing itsown equipment (not windows).

d) The interfacing system can present this information in its owndashboard.

3. A window control system provides value added content to aninterfacing system:

a) The window network uses its available information such as sensor dataand current and future tint levels (per window, zone, etc.) to determinevalue added content useful to interacting, non-window, systems.

b) Examples of such content include:

For HVAC, the amount of energy coming through the facade as sensedand/or predicted with a solar calculator. Granularity (per floor, perdirection)—based on time as well. Calculate number of BTUs that theyneed to provide. Heating/cooling BTUs required for a facade or windowopening.

For a smart home appliance service—provide temperature gradientdetermined from temperature at thermostat and temperature at a window.Large difference might suggest that the interfacing system needs to bumpup the heating (or cooling) for comfort.

For a lighting control system—provide suggested lighting levelsdetermined by, e.g., how much light from windows and at what direction,solar calculator, environmental conditions (clouds, snow, reflection),occupancy, user initiated tinting decisions, etc.

c) The interfacing system receiving this information may use thisinformation to make decisions for controlling and otherwise managing itsown equipment (not windows).

d) The interfacing system can present this information in its owndashboard.

4. The window control system exposes its functionality:

a) An interfacing system, such as a smart home appliance controlservice, a lighting system, or a security system may make tintingdecisions based on its own needs and/or may send window tint levelcommands to the window network (without BACnet)

b) Home automation example—the window control system allows a smartthermostat (or other home appliance) service (e.g., NEST) to control ofwindow tinting. This may be based on time of day, occupancy, and othertypes of information that the smart home appliance service has and uses.Similarly, embodiments allow remote control of thermostat and tinting.Embodiments allow vacation mode in an external service to clear windowsand allow in light to reduce the likelihood of pipes freezing.Embodiments allow a security company to darken home windows at certaintimes, and allow lights to come on. Embodiments allow clearing ofwindows at 10 PM so neighbors can see in the house.

c) Security/occupancy example—a window control system allows control ofour window system such as dark in lock down and clear in a burglary.

d) The window control functionality can be exposed per zone or withother set up information about the site. This aspects of 1 (e) apply.

5. A window control system controls the equipment of an interfacingsystem:

a) For example, a lighting or air conditioning system gives the windowcontrol system permission to control lighting or air conditioning basedon tinting/clearing decisions.

Heat is generated by electrical equipment such as televisions,computers, and office equipment. Sensing plug loads (office equipment,etc.) may be enabled by the site providing load sensors (real-time powermonitors for each area of interest). These sensors may be part of theHVAC or lighting system. In certain embodiments, the window controlsystems accesses devices from such systems (via an API) and gathersinformation from them, then combines that information with other data itcollects and uses the result to control the interfacing system'sdevices. For example the window system may read plug loads and combineit with the incident energy striking the facade and the current HVACheating/cooling BTUs to optimize energy use in that location.

b) Examples providing control over networked thermostat:

The window control system instructs the thermostat to back off airconditioning when the window system has reduced or will begin reducingheat load through window tinting.

Sensors in window control system detect occupancy by, e.g., BLE (BlueTooth Low Energy) beacons deployed in window controllers and/or wallinterfaces. With this information, the window control system instructs athermostat to change its mode from away mode to home mode.

c) The window control system may exercise the control by making calls tothe interfacing system's API (e.g., a thermostat control API).Alternatively, the interfacing system may subscribe to the windowcontrol system's API, and based on information provided from the windowcontrol system take action.

6. A user-customizable system interfaces with the window control systemand other peer systems. The user-customizable system presents a user'spreferences to control devices on site systems and causes them to enterstates pre-defined by the user.

a) For example, a user may have window tinting, room temperature, andlighting preferences that attach for the user.

b) Such preferences may be triggered by the user's manual input, e.g.,via a mobile device, or a system detecting the user's proximity, e.g.,through communication with the user's worn digital sensor or smartmobile phone when the user enters a room or zone.

Window Control Systems

One example of a window control system appropriate for interfacing withother systems is depicted in FIG. 1B. As shown there, the interfacinglogic of a window system A 11 interfaces with multiple windowcontrollers (1-3), sensors (1-2), and optionally other infrastructureassociated with the switchable windows and controllers. System A 11 mayaccess the window controllers, sensors, and other infrastructure via awindow controller network, which may be configured as describedelsewhere herein. System A 11 also interacts with multiple externalsystems or services 1-4 (e.g., a smart home appliance network service(e.g., NEST) or HVAC system) accessible through workstations, portablecomputers, mobile devices such as smartphones, and the like, each ableto send and/or receive information relevant to its function. In someimplementations, a service or system may be permitted access to only asubset of the information available to the window system.

In some implementations, one or more sites may be monitored orcontrolled by a site monitoring system. As shown in FIG. 1C, a sitemonitoring system B 112 interfaces with multiple monitored sites—sites1-5. Each site has one or more switchable optical devices such aselectrochromic windows and one or more controllers designed orconfigured to control switching of the windows. The site monitoringsystem B 112 also interfaces with multiple client machines—clients 1-4.The clients may be workstations, portable computers, mobile devices suchas smartphones, and the like, each client able to present informationabout the functioning of devices in the sites. Personnel associated withsite monitoring system B 112 may access this information from one ormore of the clients. In some instances, the clients are configured tocommunicate with one another. In some implementations, personnelassociated with one or more sites may access a subset of the informationvia a client. In various implementations, the client machines run one ormore applications designed or configured to present views and analysisof the optical device information for some or all of the sites.

System A 11 and system B 112 may be implemented in various hardwareand/or software configurations. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1B,system A 11 includes a data warehouse A 13, an analytics server 15, anda report server A 17. In that example, the data warehouse interfacesdirectly with the window controllers and/or sensors by, e.g., a windowcontrol network containing a hierarchy of controllers are describedbelow with reference to FIGS. 1D-F. The data warehouse stores data fromthese features in a relational database or other data storagearrangement. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1C, system B 112includes a data warehouse B 113, an application server 115, and a reportserver B 117. In some embodiments, the data is stored in a database orother data repositories such as an Oracle DB, a Sequel DB, or a customdesigned database. Data warehouse A 13 may obtain information from anyof a number of sensor and controller types such as those describedelsewhere herein. Data warehouse B 113 may obtain information from anyof a number of entities such as master controllers at the sites. In theembodiment depicted in FIG. 1B, analytics server 15 and report server A17 interface with the external systems to provide services and reports,respectively. In FIG. 1C, application server 115 and report server B 117interface with clients to provide application services and reports,respectively. In some embodiments, report server A 17 and report serverB 117 run Tableau, Jump, Actuate (Open Text), or a custom designedreport generator. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1B, data warehouseA 13 and analytics server 15 each provides information to report serverA 17. Similarly, in FIG. 1C, data warehouse B 113 and analytics server115 each provide information to report server B 117. In the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 1B, communication between data warehouse A 13 andanalytics server 15 is bidirectional. The interface with the externalservices and/or systems may be made via a communications interface 25configured with logic for using APIs for each of the externalservices/systems. Depending on the respective requirements of the windowintelligence system A 11 and the external systems/services, thecommunications between them may be bidirectional or monodirectional. Thewindow intelligence system may interface with the externalsystems/services via a wireless connection or a cable connectionimplemented in communications block 25. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1C, communication between data warehouse B 113 and applicationserver 115 is bidirectional, as is communication between data warehouseB 113 and report server B 117 as well as application server 115 andreport server B 117.

Example configurations of window control systems are shown in FIGS. 1D-Fand discussed below. Typically, a window control system will includemultiple switchable optical devices, each directly controlled by acontroller, multiple sensors such as illumination sensors, and one ormore higher level controllers such as network controllers and mastercontrollers.

In certain embodiments, the window intelligence system A 11 isimplemented in the “cloud.” The system can be centralized or distributedand can be accessed from anywhere using client application by authorizedpersonnel. The various components of the system may be located togetheror apart in one or more sites, a location remote from all sites and/orin the cloud. Additional features, functions, modules, etc. of thesystem A 11 may include a data and event reporter and a data and eventlog and/or a database.

In certain embodiments, the site monitoring system B 112 may include oneor more interfaces for communicating with the remote sites. Theseinterfaces are typically ports or connections for securely communicatingover the internet. Of course, other forms of network interfaces may beused. The data may be compressed before sending from a site to the sitemonitoring system. The site monitoring system may interface with theindividual sites via a wireless connection or cable connection. Incertain embodiments, window intelligence system A 11 and site monitoringsystem B 112 are implemented in the “cloud.” Window intelligence systemA 11 and site monitoring system B 112 can be centralized or distributedand can be accessed from anywhere using client application by authorizedpersonnel. The various components of each system may be located togetheror apart in one or more sites, a location remote from all sites and/orin the cloud. Additional features, functions, modules, etc. of the sitemonitoring system may include a data and event reporter, a data andevent log and/or a database, data analyzer/reporter, and communicator.

While in many embodiments, all or most of the site data analysis isperformed at the site monitoring system, this is not always the case. Insome implementations, some site level analytics, data compression, etc.is performed at the remote site prior to sending site data to the sitemonitoring system. For example, a network or master network controllermay have sufficient processing power and other resources for conductinganalytics, data compression, etc. and thus processing may be distributedto take advantage of this. This distribution of processing power may notbe static, that is, depending on what functions are being performed, themonitoring system may draw on remote processors for performing theaforementioned tasks, or not. Thus the monitoring system may beconfigured with the flexibility of using remote processors at the siteor not.

Through monitoring of the sensors and controllers, a window intelligencesystem or a site monitoring system may provide many types of servicessuch as any one or more of the following services:

a. Customer service—the system can be configured to note when data froma switchable device, a sensor, and/or a controller indicates a problemin an external system. The system may indicate that the problem may beimmediate, such as a malfunction, or an impending problem can beanticipated, e.g. when a component's performance drifts from specifiedparameters (while still functioning adequately). In response, servicepersonnel may be summoned to correct the problem or communicate thatthere is a problem. In the latter scenario, service personnel may, e.g.,reprogram the switchable device's controller to compensate for a driftfrom specification. In some instances, potential issues are flagged andresolved before they become apparent to the external system or site. Forexample, the aforementioned reprogramming may provide adequateperformance from the window permanently or provide adequate performanceuntil a field service person can visit the site and replace or repairthe unit. The system may be configured to autocorrect problems withexternal systems. Unless stated otherwise, any of the problems, issues,errors, etc. described herein can be auto-corrected using heuristics inthe window control system. In one example, the system detects a driftfrom specification in an electrochromic window and automaticallyreprograms the window's controller(s) to compensate for the drift. Thesystem also alerts service personnel as to this event. The servicepersonnel can then decide the best course of action, e.g., furtherreprogramming, replacing the window, replacing the controller, and thelike. The occupant may have no indication that anything has gone awrywith the window and/or controller, the occupant's perception of thewindow's performance may be unchanged throughout these.

Alert notifications may be sent when issues are detected.

The system enables quick resolution of problems. For example, adashboard interface may provide the ability to drill down into issuesfrom a high-level summary. From the high-level summary, the system mayprovide easy access to site-specific context based log file sections,schematics, pictures, and reports. In some implementations, the systemflags an entire site when one or more problems with the site areidentified. In this way, persons interacting with the system need not beexposed to minutiae concerning the issue until they want suchinformation.

Thus, e.g., service personnel can quickly choose a flagged site, anddrill down to the actual problem, which may be e.g. a single window witha non-critical issue. This allows the service personal to (a) quicklydetermine where problems arise, (b) quickly determine the nature of theproblem at each site, and (c) prioritize any problems effectively. SeeFIG. 8.

The system may also provide look ahead data to external systems such asHVAC systems, thereby enabling such systems to enhance user comfortand/or save energy.

b. Customize the installation based on observed usage trends. Userpreferences may be incorporated in a program over time. As an example,the window system or site monitoring system may determine how an enduser (e.g. occupant) tries to override a heating or lighting controlalgorithm at particular times of day and uses this information topredict future behavior of the user. It may inform the relevant externalsystem and/or modify the window control algorithm to set tint levelsaccording to the learned user preference.

c. Deploy learned approaches to other external systems or installations(e.g., how to best tint windows, light windows, heat/cool rooms when anafternoon thunderstorm approaches).

There are benefits achieved in using the collective experience andinformation from an installed base of switchable device networks. Forexample, it helps to fine tune control algorithms, customizewindow/network products for a particular market segment, and/or test newideas (e.g., control algorithms, sensor placement).

d. Energy consulting services. Such services may use information about abuilding such as energy consumption of a building, window tintingdecisions, solar radiation flux (e.g., on different sides of abuilding), local weather information (cloud cover, temperature, etc.),etc. Such information may be provided in various time increments, e.g.,months, weeks, days, hours, minutes, etc. Energy consulting services mayuse such information in developing analyses and/or recommendations forthe building(s) from which the information was obtained and/or similarbuilding (e.g., nearby buildings, buildings in similar climates, or atsimilar latitudes). Also, energy consulting services may use theinformation to provide analyses and/or recommendations to energyinfrastructure entities such as utilities, HVAC equipment suppliers,campuses, entities that provide control services to power grids, etc.

e. Vendors who market information. Some vendors integrate informationfrom various sources and bundle useful tags customized to buyer needs.

Data Monitored

The following description presents examples of some types of siteinformation that may be monitored by a window control system or a sitemonitoring system. The information may be provided from various sourcessuch as voltage and/or current versus time data for individualswitchable devices, sensor output data versus time, communications andnetwork events and logs for controller networks, etc. The time variablemay be associated with external events such as solar position, weather,etc., as well as time of day or calendar day. Information with aperiodic component may be analyzed in the frequency domain as well asthe time domain.

1. From Window Controllers UV Data:

a. Changes in peak current. This is sometimes produced duringapplication of a ramp to drive voltage for producing an opticaltransition. See FIGS. 2 and 3.

b. Changes in hold (leakage) current. This may be observed at an endstate of a switchable device. A rate of increasing leakage current maycorrelate with the likelihood that a short has developed in the device.Sometimes an electrical short causes an undesirable blemish such as ahalo in the device. In some cases, a site monitoring system may detectan electrical short in an electrochromic window as part of its datacollection.

c. Change in voltage compensation required. Voltage compensation is thechange in voltage required to account for the voltage drop in theconductive path from the power supply to the switchable device.

d. Change in total charge transferred. This may be measured over aperiod of time and/or during a certain state of the switchable device(e.g., during drive or during hold).

e. Change in power consumption. Power consumption may be calculated by(I*V) per window or controller.

f. Comparison with other WC (window controllers) on the same facade withidentical loads. This allows the monitoring system to determine that aparticular controller has an issue, rather than a particular devicecontrolled by the controller. For example, a window controller may beconnected to five insulated glass units, each exhibiting the same issue.Because it is unlikely that five devices will all suffer from the sameissue, the monitoring system may conclude that the controller is toblame.

g. Instances of abnormal profiles: e.g., double tinting/double clearing.Double tinting/clearing refers to a situation where a normal drive cycle(voltage and/or current profile) is applied and it is found that theswitchable device has not switched, in which case a second drive cyclemust be conducted.

h. Switching characteristics vs. external weather. At certaintemperatures or weather conditions, the monitoring system expectsparticular switching results or performance. Deviations from theexpected response suggest an issue with a controller, a switchabledevice, and/or a sensor. See FIG. 12.

The changes and comparisons described here can be produced from datacollected at, e.g., the network controller level. Historical data (days,weeks, months, years) is preserved in the window intelligence system,and such data can be used for comparison. With such data, variations dueto temperature can be identified and ignored, if appropriate. Thevarious changes, along or in combination, may provide a signature of aproblem in a window, a controller, a sensor, etc. Any one or more of theforegoing parameters may identify an increase in impedance at anyposition from the power supply to (and including) the switchable device.This path may include the switchable device, a bus bar connected to thedevice, a lead attach to the bus bar, a connector to the lead attach orIGU, a group of wires (sometimes called a “pigtail”) between theconnector (or IGU) and the power supply. As an example, a change in anyor more of parameters 1a-1e may indicate corrosion caused by water in awindow frame. A model using a combination of these parameters mayrecognize the signature of such corrosion and accurately report thisissue remotely.

2. From Window Controller State and Zone State Changes:

a. Any window controller getting out of sync with zone—may be due tocommunication issues. Example: If there are multiple controllers in azone, and one of these controllers does behave as expected, the windowsystem or site monitoring system may conclude that the aberrantcontroller is not receiving or following commands over a communicationsnetwork. The system can take action to isolate the source of the problemand correct it.

b. Longest switching time for the zone and adjustments to make all glassswitch at the same rate. The system may identify a particular switchabledevice that is not switching at a desired rate or an expected rate. SeeFIG. 15. Without replacing or modifying the device, the window system orsite monitoring system may modify the switching algorithm so that thedevice switches at the expected rate. For example, if a device isobserved to switch too slowly, its ramp to drive or drive voltage may beincreased. This can be done remotely.

3. From System Logs:

a. Any change in frequency of communication errors—increase in noise ordevice degradation. The received communications from a controller may beslowed or stopped. Or, the send communications may not be acknowledgedor acted upon.

b. Connection degradation if pigtail starts showing up as disconnected.In certain embodiments, a connector provides a signal indicating that itis becoming disconnected. A window controller may receive such signals,which can be logged at the window system or site monitoring system. SeeFIG. 13.

4. From Sensor Data:

a. Any degradation over time. This may be manifest as a signal magnitudereduction. It may be caused by various factors including damage to thesensor, dirt on the sensor, an obstruction appearing in front of thesensor, etc.

b. Correlation with external weather. Normally, the window system orsite monitoring system will assume that the photo sensor output shouldcorrelate with the weather.

c. Comparison with zone state change to ensure Intelligence workingcorrectly.

The window system or site monitoring system normally expects that thezone will change state when its photosensor output meets certainstate-change criteria. For example, if the sensor indicates a transitionto sunny conditions, the switchable devices in the zone should tint. Incertain embodiments, there are one or more photosensors per zone. SeeFIGS. 14A-D.

d. Any changes in surroundings after commissioning. As an example, atree grows in front of the sensor or a building is constructed in frontof a sensor. Such changes in surroundings may be evidenced by multiplesensors affected by the changes being similarly affected (e.g., theirphoto sensor outputs go down at the same time). Among other purposes,commissioning provides information about the deployment of sensors,controllers, and/or switchable optical devices in a site. Commissioningis further described in PCT Application No. PCT/US2013/036456, filedApr. 12, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

e. Data from a central or multifunctional sensor. In some embodiments, abuilding has a multifunctional sensor providing sensed data for avariety of parameters relevant to window tinting or other buildingmanagement. Examples of individual sensors that may be included in suchmultifunctional sensor include temperature sensors, directionalphotosensors (e.g., three or more photosensors oriented in differentazimuthal and/or altitudinal directions), humidity sensors, etc. Thephotosensors may capture visible light, IR radiation, UV radiation, orany combination thereof In certain embodiments, the multifunctionalsensor provides weather related data. In one example, the sensor is aring sensor as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 62/238,100,filed Oct. 6, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

5. From Log File Analysis of Driver of State Changes:

a. Overrides by zone—further tuning of control algorithms for the zone.The window system or site monitoring system may learn the requirementsof a particular site and adapt its learning algorithm to address therequirements. Various types of adaptive learning are described in PCTApplication No. PCT/US2013/036456, filed Apr. 12, 2013, which waspreviously incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

b. iOS (or other mobile device) vs. Wall Switch overrides—consumerpreference. When overrides are observed, the monitoring system may notewhich type of device initiated the override, a wall switch or a mobiledevice. More frequent use of wall switches may indicate a training issueor a problem with the window application on the mobile device.

c. Time/Frequency of various states—usefulness of each state. Whenmultiple tint states are available, and some are underused, it mayindicate to the remote monitoring system that there is an issue with aparticular state. The system may change the transmissivity or othercharacteristic of the state.

d. Variation by market segment. The frequency of use (popularity) ofcertain states or other properties of a site's switching characteristicsmay correlate with a market segment. When a window system or sitemonitoring system learns this, it may develop and providemarket-specific algorithms. Examples of market segments includeairports, hospitals, office buildings, schools, government buildings,etc.

e. Total number of transitions—Expected number of cycles over warrantyperiod and life by market segment. This may provide in situ lifecycleinformation. See FIG. 12.

6. Energy Calculations:

a. Energy saved by zone by season, total system energy saving by season.The window system or site monitoring system may determine energy savingsto identify algorithms, device types, structures, etc. that provideimprovements, compare sites, and improve lower performing sites. SeeFIGS. 14B and 14D. Provide performance information and recommendationsto external systems such as HVAC systems and smart thermostat service orother home appliance services (e.g., NEST).

b. Provide advanced energy load information to AC system by zone.Buildings have large thermal masses, so air conditioning and heating donot take effect immediately. Using a solar calculator or otherpredictive tools (describe elsewhere herein), the window system or sitemonitoring system can provide advance notice to HVAC systems or NEST sothey can begin a transition early. It may be desirable to provide thisinformation by zone. Moreover, a window system or site monitoring systemmay tint one or more windows or zones to aid the HVAC system in doingits job. For example, if a heat load is expected on a particular facade,the system may provide advance notice to the HVAC system and also tintwindows on that side of the building to reduce what would otherwise bethe HVAC's cooling requirements. Depending upon the tinting speed of thewindows, the system can calculate and time tinting and HVAC activationsequences appropriately. For example, if the windows tint slowly, theHVAC activation may be sooner, if they tint quickly, then the HVACsignal to action may be delayed or ramped more slowly to reduce load onthe system. See FIGS. 14B and 14D.

7. Window Antennas

a. In certain embodiments, windows and/or associated structures (e.g.,controllers, IGU spacers, and frames) have antennas attached orfabricated thereon. Examples of such window antennas are described inPCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2015/062387, filed Nov. 24, 2015, andincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

b. A window antenna can provide the location of occupants and/orvisitors, who carry communication enabled devices such as mobile phones.

c. A window antenna can also detect the presence of intruders and othersecurity related information (e.g., when a window has a privacy settingactivated).

d. A window antenna can also detect the bandwidth consumed or availableon services provided by the window antennas.

In certain embodiments, the windows, controllers, and/or sensors havetheir performance or response checked at an initial point in time andthereafter rechecked repeatedly. In some cases, recentperformance/response measurements are compared with earlierperformance/response measurements to detect trends, deviations,stability, etc. If necessary, adjustments can be made or service can beprovided to address trends or deviations detected during comparisons.The collection of relevant parameters for a window, sensor, orcontroller may serve as a “fingerprint” for the device. Such parametersinclude voltage response, current response, communications fidelity,etc. as described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, windows,sensors, and/or controllers are checked and optionally fingerprinted atthe factory. For example, a switchable window may go through a burn inprocedures during which relevant parameters can be extracted. Windowsexhibiting problems can have their current performance compared againstearlier fingerprints to optionally determine whether the problemdeveloped after shipping/installation or during operation. Fingerprintscan also be generated, optionally automatically, when the devices arecommissioned (e.g., installed at a site and initially detected andcataloged). Fingerprints can be stored in a memory associated with thewindow, e.g. in a pigtail. In certain embodiments, the window system orthe site monitoring system may also reprogram the memory in the pigtail(or other memory) remotely and automatically. Commissioning is describedin PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2013/036456, filed Apr. 12, 2013,and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In certain embodiments, during commissioning at a new site, the systemcompares a designed site layout to the actual, as commissioned layout,to flag any discrepancy at time of commissioning. This may be used tocorrect a device, controller, etc. at the site or to correct designdocument. In some cases, the system simply verifies that all windowcontrollers, network controllers, zones, etc. match between designdocument and actual site implementation. In other cases, a moreextensive analysis is conducted, which may verify cable lengths etc. Thecomparison may also identify installation problems such as incorrectphotosensor orientations, defective photosensors, etc., and optionallyautomatically correct such problems. As indicated, during commissioning,the system may obtain and store initial fingerprints of many or allindividual components in the site, including voltage/currentmeasurements at switchable optical devices for different devicetransitions. Such fingerprints may be used to periodically check thesite and detect degradation in upstream hardware (i.e. wiring, powersupplies, uninterrupted power supply (UPS)), as well as windowcontrollers and switchable optical devices. Using a UPS in a switchableoptical window network is described in U.S. Patent Application No.62/019,325, filed Jun. 30, 2014, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

Auto-Detection and Auto-Correction by the System

While much of the discussion herein focuses on systems for detecting anddiagnosing issues with networks of switchable optical devices, a furtheraspect of the disclosure concerns a window system or site monitoringsystem that leverages these capabilities to automatically collect data,automatically detect problems and potential problems, automaticallynotify personnel or systems of problems or potential problems,automatically correcting such problems or potential problems, and/orautomatically interfacing with building or corporate systems to analyzedata, implement corrections, generate service tickets, etc.

Examples of This Automatic Features of Systems

1. If there is a slow degradation in current to a window (or othersignature of non-fatal issue with switching current received by awindow), the window system or site monitoring system can auto-correctthis issue by, for example, directing a controller associated with thewindow to increase the switching voltage to the window. The system maycalculate an increase in voltage using empirical and/or analytictechniques that relate changes in current drawn or optical switchingproperties to changes in applied voltage. The changes in voltage may belimited to a range such as a range defining safe levels of voltage orcurrent for the devices in the window network. The changes to thevoltage may be implemented by the system reprogramming one or morememories storing tint transition instructions for the window inquestion. For example, a memory associated with the window, e.g. in apigtail of the window, is programmed from the factory to contain windowparameters that allow a window controller to determine appropriate drivevoltages for the electrochromic coating associated with the window. Ifthere is degradation or similar issues, one or more of these parametersmay need change and so the system reprograms the memory. This may bedone, e.g., if the window controller automatically generates drivevoltage parameters based on the stored values in the memory (e.g., amemory associated with the pigtail). That is, rather than the systemsending new drive parameters to the window controller, the system maysimply reprogram the window memory so the window controller candetermine new drive parameters itself. Of course, the system may alsoprovide the tint transition parameters to the window controller, whichcan then apply them according to its own internal protocol, which mayinvolve storing them in an associated memory or providing them to ahigher level network controller.2. If there is a slow degradation in photosensor (or other signature ofnon-fatal issue with a sensor) causing a lower than accurate reading,the window system or site monitoring system can auto-correct the sensorreading before using the reading for other purposes such as input foroptical device switching algorithms. In certain embodiments, the systemapplies an offset within some limit to compensate a photosensor reading.This allows for, e.g., uninterrupted occupant comfort and automaticadjustment of window tinting for improved aesthetics. Again, forexample, the occupant may not realize that any of these changes to thewindow and/or related components or software has occurred.3. If the system detects that a room is occupied or learns that the roomis commonly occupied, and the tinting algorithm applies a tint after theglare begins, the site monitoring system may automatically adjust thetint algorithm to start earlier, when the room is occupied or predictedto be occupied. In certain embodiments, glare is detected by aphotosensor located in a room or outside a room where the glare occurs.The algorithm may employ an occupancy sensor located within the room.4. When the system detects a difference in tinting times for differentwindows in the same facade, it may cause all windows to tint at the sametime and, if desired, to the same tint level by auto adjusting rampingvoltage parameters (if the occupant wants whole facade tinting at thesame time).5. The system may detect a window controller that is out ofsynchronization with other window controllers for a group of windows ina zone or a facade. The description of FIGS. 18A-H contains a detailedexplanation of such example. The system may then bring the window backinto sync automatically by adjusting the applied switching voltage ortaking other remedial action within its control.

Ancillary Services

The remote monitoring system of the window system or site monitoringsystem may collect and use local climate information, site lightinginformation, site thermal load information, and/or weather feed data forvarious purposes. A few examples follow.

Weather Service Rating: There are existing services that rely on weatherfeeds/data to sell and/or enable their services. For example, “smartsprinklers” and even landscaping companies using conventional sprinklersystems use weather data to program their watering patterns. Theseweather data are often local, e.g. zip code based data, and there aremultiple sources of weather data. In certain embodiments, the remotemonitoring system uses actual data it collects to rate what weatherservices predict for any given area. The system may determine which ismost accurate and provide that rating to services that rely on weatherfeeds. Any given weather service may be more accurate depending on thegeographical area, e.g. weather service A might be best in SanFrancisco, but not as good in the Santa Clara Valley (where service B isbetter). The system can provide a rating service identifying whichweather feed is more reliable for a given area, by collecting its actualsensor data, doing statistical analysis, and providing to customers asvaluable intelligence. This information is useful for entities otherthan sites; examples include sprinkler companies, companies that use orcontrol solar panels, outdoor venues, any entity that relies on theweather.

Weather Service: The system can collect sensor data live over largegeographic areas. In certain embodiments, it provides this data toweather services so that they can more accurately provide weather data.In other words, weather services rely heavily on satellite imagery andlarger sky pattern data feeds. Information from one more sites withswitchable optical devices and associated sensors, widely deployed, canprovide real time ground level information on the sun, clouds, heat,etc. Combining these two data, more accurate weather forecasts can beachieved. This approach may be viewed as creating a sensor net acrossthe country or other geographic region where multiple sites exist.

Consumer Behavior: Indirect data from end user patterns can be gleaned,e.g. by knowing when/how end users tint or bleach optically tintablewindows in any geographical location or region. In certain embodiments,data collected by the window system or site monitoring system isanalyzed for patterns that may have value to other consumer productsvendors. For example, “heavy tinters” may indicate: aversion tosun/heat, the fact that high sun levels are present, the need for morewater in a region, a region ripe for more sunglasses sales, etc.Likewise, “heavy bleachers” may indicate opposite trends that will beuseful to vendors that sell, e.g.: sun lamps, tea, books, heating pads,furnaces, tanning booths, and the like.

Building Management Systems (BMSs) and Smart Appliance Systems

A BMS is a computer-based control system installed at a site (e.g., abuilding) that can monitor and control the site's mechanical andelectrical equipment such as ventilation, lighting, power systems,elevators, fire systems, and security systems. In certain embodiments, aBMS may be designed or configured to communicate with a window system orsite monitoring system to receive control signals and communicatemonitored information from systems at the site. A BMS consists ofhardware, including interconnections by communication channels to acomputer or computers, and associated software for maintainingconditions in the site according to preferences set by the occupants,site manager, and/or window system manager. For example, a BMS may beimplemented using a local area network, such as Ethernet. The softwarecan be based on, for example, internet protocols and/or open standards.One example of software is software from Tridium, Inc. (of Richmond,Va.). One communications protocol commonly used with a BMS is BACnet(building automation and control networks).

A BMS is most common in a large building, although home automationsystems are becoming more common. Typically, a BMS functions at least tocontrol the environment within the building. For example, a BMS maycontrol temperature, carbon dioxide levels, and humidity within abuilding. Typically, there are many mechanical devices that arecontrolled by a BMS such as heaters, air conditioners, blowers, vents,and the like. To control the building environment, a BMS may turn on andoff these various devices under defined conditions. A core function of atypical modern BMS is to maintain a comfortable environment for thebuilding's occupants while minimizing heating and cooling costs/demand.Thus, a modern BMS is used not only to monitor and control, but also tooptimize the synergy between various systems, for example, to conserveenergy and lower building operation costs.

In some embodiments, a window control system interfaces with a BMS,where the window control system is configured to control one or moreelectrochromic windows or other tintable windows. In one embodiment,each of the one or more tintable windows includes at least one all solidstate and inorganic electrochromic device. In another embodiment, eachof the one or more tintable windows includes only all solid state andinorganic electrochromic devices. In another embodiment, one or more ofthe tintable windows are multistate electrochromic windows, as describedin U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 12/851,514, filed on Aug. 5, 2010,and entitled “Multipane Electrochromic Windows.”

FIG. 1D is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a site network 1100having a BMS that manages a number of systems of a building, includingsecurity systems, heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC), lightingof the building, power systems, elevators, fire systems, and the like.Security systems may include magnetic card access, turnstiles, solenoiddriven door locks, surveillance cameras, burglar alarms, metaldetectors, and the like. Fire systems may include fire alarms and firesuppression systems including a water plumbing control. Lighting systemsmay include interior lighting, exterior lighting, emergency warninglights, emergency exit signs, and emergency floor egress lighting. Powersystems may include the main power, backup power generators, anduninterrupted power source (UPS) grids.

Also, the BMS interfaces with a window network 1102. In this example,window network 1102 is depicted as a distributed network of windowcontrollers including a master network controller, 1103, intermediatenetwork controllers, 1105 a and 1105 b, and end or leaf controllers1110. End or leaf controllers 1110 may be similar to window controller450 described with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5. For example, master networkcontroller 1103 may be responsible for interfacing with the BMS, e.g.,via an API, and each floor of building 1101 may have one or moreintermediate network controllers 1105 a and 1105 b, while each window ofthe building has its own end or leaf controller 1110. In this example,each of controllers 1110 controls a specific tintable window of building1101. In certain embodiments, window network 1102 and/or master networkcontroller 1103 communicates with a window intelligence system or sitemonitoring system or component thereof such as a data warehouse.

Each of controllers 1110 can be in a separate location from the tintablewindow that it controls, or can be integrated into the tintable window.For simplicity, only a few tintable windows of building 1101 aredepicted as controlled by master window controller 1102. In a typicalsetting there may be a large number of tintable windows in a buildingcontrolled by window network 1102, which may be a distributed network ofwindow controllers. In alternative embodiments, a single end controller(also referred to herein as a window controller), which controls thefunctions of a single tintable window also falls within the scope of theembodiments disclosed herein.

By incorporating feedback from a window controller, a BMS can provide,for example, enhanced: 1) environmental control, 2) energy savings, 3)security, 4) flexibility in control options, 5) improved reliability andusable life of other systems due to less reliance thereon and thereforeless maintenance thereof, 6) information availability and diagnostics,7) effective use of staff, and various combinations of these, becausethe tintable windows can be automatically controlled. In certainembodiments, any one or more of these functions can be provided by thesystem, which may communicate with the windows and window controllersdirectly or indirectly, via a BMS.

In some embodiments, a BMS may not be present or a BMS may be presentbut may not directly communicate with a master network controller orcommunicate at a high level with a master network controller. In theseembodiments, a master network controller can provide, for example,enhanced: 1) environmental control, 2) energy savings, 3) flexibility incontrol options, 4) improved reliability and usable life of othersystems due to less reliance thereon and therefore less maintenancethereof, 5) information availability and diagnostics, 6) effective useof staff, and various combinations of these, because the tintablewindows can be automatically controlled. In these embodiments,maintenance on the BMS does not interrupt control of the tintablewindows.

In certain embodiments, a BMS may be in communication with the windowsystem, via an API, to receive control signals and transmit monitoreddata from one or more systems controlled by the BMS. In otherembodiments, the window system or site monitoring system may be indirect communication with the master window controller and/or othersystems in a site network to manage the systems.

FIG. 1E is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment employing anetwork 1200 for a site (e.g., building). The network 1200 may employany number of different communication protocols, including BACnet. Asshown, site network 1200 includes a window system 1205, a lightingcontrol panel 1210, a BMS 1215, a security control system, 1220, a userconsole, 1225, a smart thermostat service or other home applianceservice (e.g., NEST) 1227.

These different controllers and systems at the site may be used toreceive input from and/or control a HVAC system 1230, lights 1235,security sensors 1240, door locks 1245, cameras 1250, tintable windows1255, and thermostats 1257 of the site. As stated, in some embodiments,window system 1205 may be in communication with a master controller,such as master controller 1103 from FIG. 1D.

A lighting control panel may include circuits or other logic to controlthe interior lighting, the exterior lighting, the emergency warninglights, the emergency exit signs, and the emergency floor egresslighting. A lighting control panel (e.g., panel 1210) also may accessoccupancy sensors in the rooms of the site. BMS 1215 may include aserver that receives data from and issues commands to the other systemsand controllers of site network 1200. For example, BMS 1215 may receivedata from and issue commands to each of the window controller 1205,lighting control panel 1210, and security control system 1220. Securitycontrol system 1220 may include magnetic card access, turnstiles,solenoid driven door locks, surveillance cameras, burglar alarms, metaldetectors, and the like. User console 1225 may be a computer terminalthat can be used by the site manager to schedule operations of, control,monitor, optimize, and troubleshoot the different systems of the site.Software from Tridium, Inc. may generate visual representations of datafrom different systems for user console 1225.

Each of the different controls may control individual devices/apparatus.Window system 1205 controls windows 1255. Lighting control panel 1210controls lights 1235. BMS 1215 may control HVAC 1230. Security controlsystem 1220 controls security sensors 1240, door locks 1245, and cameras1250. Data may be exchanged and/or shared between all of the differentdevices/apparatus and controllers that are part of site network 1200.

In some cases, the systems of site network 1100 or site network 1200 mayrun according to daily, monthly, quarterly, or yearly schedules. Forexample, the lighting control system, the window control system, theHVAC, and the security system may operate on a 24-hour scheduleaccounting for when people are at the site during the work day. Atnight, the site may enter an energy savings mode, and during the day,the systems may operate in a manner that minimizes the energyconsumption of the site while providing for occupant comfort. As anotherexample, the systems may shut down or enter an energy savings mode overa holiday period.

The scheduling information may be combined with geographicalinformation. Geographical information may include the latitude andlongitude of a site such as, for example, a building. In the case of abuilding, geographical information also may include information aboutthe direction that each side of the building faces. Using suchinformation, different rooms on different sides of the building may becontrolled in different manners. For example, for east facing rooms ofthe building in the winter, the window controller may instruct thewindows to have no tint in the morning so that the room warms up due tosunlight shining in the room and the lighting control panel may instructthe lights to be dim because of the lighting from the sunlight. The westfacing windows may be controllable by the occupants of the room in themorning because the tint of the windows on the west side may have noimpact on energy savings.

However, the modes of operation of the east facing windows and the westfacing windows may switch in the evening (e.g., when the sun is setting,the west facing windows are not tinted to allow sunlight in for bothheat and lighting).

Described below is an example of a site such as, for example, thebuilding 1101 in FIG. 1D, that includes a site network, tintable windowsfor the exterior windows (e.g., windows separating the interior of thebuilding from the exterior of the building), and a number of differentsensors. Light from exterior windows of a building generally has aneffect on the interior lighting in the building about 20 feet or about30 feet from the windows. That is, space in a building that is more thatabout 20 feet or about 30 feet from an exterior window receives littlelight from the exterior window. Such spaces away from exterior windowsin a building are lit by lighting systems of the building.

Further, the temperature within a building may be influenced by exteriorlight and/or the exterior temperature. For example, on a cold day andwith the building being heated by a heating system, rooms closer todoors and/or windows will lose heat faster than the interior regions ofthe building and be cooler compared to the interior regions.

For exterior condition monitoring, the building may include exteriorsensors on the roof of the building. Alternatively, the building mayinclude an exterior sensor associated with each exterior window or anexterior sensor on each side of the building. An exterior sensor on eachside of the building could track the irradiance on a side of thebuilding as the sun changes position throughout the day.

When a window controller is integrated into a site network, outputs fromexterior sensors may be input to a site network and/or window system. Insome cases, these outputs may be provided as input to a local windowcontroller. For example, in some embodiments, output signals from anytwo or more exterior sensors are received. In some embodiments, only oneoutput signal is received, and in some other embodiments, three, four,five, or more outputs are received. These output signals may be receivedover a site network.

In some embodiments, the output signals received by sensor(s) include asignal indicating energy or power consumption by a heating system, acooling system, and/or lighting within the building. For example, theenergy or power consumption of the heating system, the cooling system,and/or the lighting of the building may be monitored to provide thesignal indicating energy or power consumption. Devices may be interfacedwith or attached to the circuits and/or wiring of the building to enablethis monitoring. Alternatively, the power systems in the building may beinstalled such that the power consumed by the heating system, a coolingsystem, and/or lighting for an individual room within the building or agroup of rooms within the building can be monitored.

Tint instructions can be provided to change to tint of the tintablewindow to a determined level of tint. For example, referring to FIG. 1D,this may include master network controller 1103 issuing commands to oneor more intermediate network controllers 1105 a and 1105 b, which inturn issue commands to end controllers 1110 that control each window ofthe building. Master network controller 1103 may issue commands based oncommands received from a BMS and/or a window system. End controllers1100 may apply voltage and/or current to the window to drive the changein tint pursuant to the instructions.

In some embodiments, a site including tintable windows may be enrolledin or participate in a demand response program run by the utility orutilities providing power to the site. The program may be a program inwhich the energy consumption of the site is reduced when a peak loadoccurrence is expected. The utility may send out a warning signal priorto an expected peak load occurrence. For example, the warning may besent on the day before, the morning of, or about one hour before theexpected peak load occurrence. A peak load occurrence may be expected tooccur on a hot summer day when cooling systems/air conditioners aredrawing a large amount of power from the utility, for example. Thewarning signal may be received by a BMS of a building, by the windowsystem, or by window controllers configured to control the tintablewindows in the building. This warning signal can be an overridemechanism that disengages the tinting control. The BMS or window systemcan then instruct the window controller(s) to transition the appropriateelectrochromic device in the tintable windows to a dark tint level aidin reducing the power draw of the cooling systems in the building at thetime when the peak load is expected.

In some embodiments, tintable windows (e.g., electrochromic windows) ofwindows of a site may be grouped into zones with tintable windows in azone being instructed in a similar manner. For example, the exteriorwindows of the site (i.e., windows separating the interior from theexterior of a building), may be grouped into zones, with tintablewindows in a zone being instructed in a similar manner. For example,groups of tintable windows on different floors of the building ordifferent sides of a building may be in different zones. In one case, onthe first floor of the building, all of the east facing tintable windowsmay be in zone 1, all of the south facing tintable windows may be inzone 2, all of the west facing tintable windows may be in zone 3, andall of the north facing tintable windows may be in zone 4. In anothercase, all of the tintable windows on the first floor of the building maybe in zone 1, all of the tintable windows on the second floor may be inzone 2, and all of the tintable windows on the third floor may be inzone 3. In yet another case, all of the east facing tintable windows maybe in zone 1, all of the south facing tintable windows may be in zone 2,all of the west facing tintable windows may be in zone 3, and all of thenorth facing tintable windows may be in zone 4. As yet another case,east facing tintable windows on one floor could be divided intodifferent zones. Any number of tintable windows on the same side and/ordifferent sides and/or different floors of the building may be assignedto a zone.

In some embodiments, tintable windows in a zone may be controlled by thesame window controller. In some other embodiments, tintable windows in azone may be controlled by different window controllers, but the windowcontrollers may all receive the same output signals from sensors and usethe same function or lookup table to determine the level of tint for thewindows in a zone.

In some embodiments, tintable windows in a zone may be controlled by awindow controller or controllers that receive an output signal from atransmissivity sensor. In some embodiments, the transmissivity sensormay be mounted proximate the windows in a zone. For example, thetransmissivity sensor may be mounted in or on a frame containing an IGU(e.g., mounted in or on a mullion, the horizontal sash of a frame)included in the zone. In some other embodiments, tintable windows in azone that includes the windows on a single side of the building may becontrolled by a window controller or controllers that receive an outputsignal from a transmissivity sensor.

In some embodiments, a sensor (e.g., photosensor) may provide an outputsignal to a window controller to control the tintable windows of a firstzone (e.g., a master control zone). The window controller may alsocontrol the tintable windows in a second zone (e.g., a slave controlzone) in the same manner as the first zone. In some other embodiments,another window controller may control the tintable windows in the secondzone in the same manner as the first zone.

In some embodiments, a site manager, occupants of rooms in the secondzone, or other person may manually instruct (using a tint or clearcommand or a command from a user console of a BMS, for example) thetintable windows in the second zone (i.e., the slave control zone) toenter a tint level such as a colored state (level) or a clear state. Insome embodiments, when the tint level of the windows in the second zoneis overridden with such a manual command, the tintable windows in thefirst zone (i.e., the master control zone) remain under control of thewindow controller receiving output from the transmissivity sensor. Thesecond zone may remain in a manual command mode for a period of time andthen revert back to be under control of the window controller receivingoutput from the transmissivity sensor. For example, the second zone maystay in a manual mode for one hour after receiving an override command,and then may revert back to be under control of the window controllerreceiving output from the transmissivity sensor.

In some embodiments, a site manager, occupants of rooms in the firstzone, or other person may manually instruct (using a tint command or acommand from a user console of a

BMS, for example) the windows in the first zone (i.e., the mastercontrol zone) to enter a tint level such as a colored state or a clearstate. In some embodiments, when the tint level of the windows in thefirst zone is overridden with such a manual command, the tintablewindows in the second zone (i.e., the slave control zone) remain undercontrol of the window controller receiving outputs from the exteriorsensor. The first zone may remain in a manual command mode for a periodof time and then revert back to be under control of window controllerreceiving output from the transmissivity sensor. For example, the firstzone may stay in a manual mode for one hour after receiving an overridecommand, and then may revert back to be under control of the windowcontroller receiving output from the transmissivity sensor. In someother embodiments, the tintable windows in the second zone may remain inthe tint level that they are in when the manual override for the firstzone is received. The first zone may remain in a manual command mode fora period of time and then both the first zone and the second zone mayrevert back to be under control of the window controller receivingoutput from the transmissivity sensor.

Any of the methods described herein of control of a tintable window,regardless of whether the window controller is a standalone windowcontroller or is interfaced with a site network, may be used control thetint of a tintable window.

The references to a BMS in the above description can be replaced in someor all instances with references to a smart thermostat service or otherhome appliance service such as NEST. The communication between thewindow system and the BMS or home appliance service can be via an API asdescribed above.

Some features of this disclosure may be implemented on a mesh network,such as the networks described in U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/085,179, filed Nov. 26, 2014, previously incorporated byreference in its entirety. Devices on a mesh network can make use ofinformation known by the network. For instance, where GPS coordinates ofone or more windows are known, the other non-window devices can learntheir exact locations based on the GPS data and the relative positionsof all the other (window and non-window) devices. Because GPS typicallydoes not work inside a building, direct GPS sensing of device positionsinside of a building is difficult or impossible. As such, by using theabsolute position information learned from the windows themselves, andthe relative positions of the various devices on the network, evennon-window devices that are inside of a building can learn of theirexact locations. In some implementations, such network devices may bepopulated into the map that is auto-generated. For example, where anoffice building uses electrochromic windows and printers that are eachcapable of connecting to the mesh network, the map generated by thecontroller(s) may show the relative locations of all the windows andprinters connected to the network. A building occupant can use this map(e.g., loaded into a smartphone application, computer, etc.) to helpthem find their nearest printer or other relevant device on the meshnetwork. Occupancy sensors and HVAC components may also be connected toor interface with the mesh network. In such cases, the map generated bythe controller(s) may show whether particular rooms are occupied basedon information from the occupancy sensors, and may show other conditions(e.g., actual temperature, thermostat setting, humidity, status oflights, etc.) based on information from other HVAC components. Theaccuracy and precision of the map are increased with an increased numberof devices on the mesh network, since the additional devices providefurther data for the system to piece together.

Windows on the mesh network may be configured to interact with otherdevices on the mesh network, for example they may interact via an API ordirectly with thermostats or other HVAC components. For instance, wherea window or set of windows tint (thereby reducing the rate that heatenters the building through the window(s)), the window(s) may send asignal to a thermostat or other HVAC component to reduce the degree ofcooling occurring through air conditioning. Similar signals may be sentto increase the degree of cooling through air conditioning, or tocontrol a heating system. Additionally, information gleaned by theelectrochromic window (e.g., through sensors, performance, etc.) may beshared with a thermostat or other HVAC component to help informdecisions made by the thermostat or HVAC.

In some embodiments, the controllers may have instructions to controlthe windows based on the sensed relative and exactpositions/orientations of the various windows. For example, thecontrollers may have instructions to color east-facing windows early inthe morning to prevent the sun from heating up the east-facing rooms,and to bleach the east-facing windows later in the afternoon when thesun is not shining directly into the east-facing rooms. Any controlscheme may be used, and may be programmed into a controller by a user orinstaller, or may be pre-programmed by a manufacturer, vendor, etc. Insome embodiments the window controllers are programmable in a similarmanner as a thermostat (with the option of controlling a single windowor multiple windows together).

Wireless or Wired Communication

In some embodiments, window controllers described herein includecomponents for wired or wireless communication between the windowcontroller, sensors, and separate communication nodes. Wireless or wiredcommunications may be accomplished with a communication interface thatinterfaces directly with the window controller. Such interface could benative to the microprocessor or provided via additional circuitryenabling these functions. In addition, other systems of a site networkmay include components for wired or wireless communication betweendifferent system elements.

A separate communication node for wireless communications can be, forexample, another wireless window controller, an end, intermediate, ormaster window controller, a remote control device, a BMS, or a windowsystem. Wireless communication is used in the window controller for atleast one of the following operations: programming and/or operating thetintable window 505 (FIG. 5), collecting data from the tintable window505 from the various sensors and protocols described herein, and usingthe tintable window 505 as a relay point for wireless communication.Data collected from tintable windows 505 also may include count datasuch as number of times an EC device has been activated, efficiency ofthe EC device over time, and the like. These wireless communicationfeatures is described in more detail below.

In one embodiment, wireless communication is used to operate theassociated tintable windows 505, for example, via an infrared (IR),and/or radio frequency (RF) signal. In certain embodiments, thecontroller will include a wireless protocol chip, such as Bluetooth,EnOcean, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, and the like. Window controllers may also havewireless communication via a network. Input to the window controller canbe manually input by an end user at a wall switch, either directly orvia wireless communication, or the input can be from a BMS of a site ofwhich the tintable window is a component or from a window systemmanaging system.

In one embodiment, when the window controller is part of a distributednetwork of controllers, wireless communication is used to transfer datato and from each of a plurality of tintable windows via the distributednetwork of controllers, each having wireless communication components.For example, referring again to FIG. 1D, master network controller 1103,communicates wirelessly with each of intermediate network controllers1105 a and 1105 b, which in turn communicate wirelessly with endcontrollers 1110, each associated with a tintable window. Master networkcontroller 1103 may also communicate wirelessly with a BMS or with awindow system. In one embodiment, at least one level of communication inthe window controller is performed wirelessly.

In some embodiments, more than one mode of wireless communication isused in the window controller distributed network. For example, a masterwindow controller may communicate wirelessly to intermediate controllersvia Wi-Fi or ZigBee, while the intermediate controllers communicate withend controllers via Bluetooth, ZigBee, EnOcean, or other protocol. Inanother example, window controllers have redundant wirelesscommunication systems for flexibility in end user choices for wirelesscommunication.

Example of System for Controlling Functions of Tintable Windows

FIG. 1F is a block diagram of components of a window control system 1400for controlling functions (e.g., transitioning to different tint levels)of one or more tintable windows at a site (e.g., building 1101 shown inFIG. 1D), according to embodiments. System 1400 may be one of thesystems managed by a window system through a BMS (e.g., BMS 1100 shownin FIG. 1D) or may be managed directly by a window system and/or operateindependently of a BMS.

System 1400 includes a master window controller 1402, which is typicallyimplemented as a window control network that can send control signals tothe tintable windows to control its functions. System 1400 also includesan external network 1410 in electronic communication with master windowcontroller network 1402. Control logic and instructions for controllingfunctions of the tintable window(s), and/or sensor data may becommunicated to the master window controller 1402 through the externalnetwork 1410. Network 1410 can be a wired or a wireless network (e.g., acloud network). In some embodiments, network 1410 may be incommunication with a BMS (e.g., over an API) to allow the BMS to sendinstructions for controlling the tintable window(s) through network 1410to the tintable window(s) in a building. In some cases, the BMS may bein communication with the window system to receive instructions forcontrolling the tintable window(s) from the window system. In otherembodiments, network 1410 may be in communication with a window systemto allow the window system to send instructions for controlling thetintable window(s) through network 1410 to the tintable window(s) in abuilding.

In some embodiments, network 1410 may be communicatively coupled (e.g.,wirelessly) with intermediate controllers 1405, end window controllers1110, electrochromic devices 400, and user devices, allowing orfacilitating communication between all devices in the system. Network1410 may also allow for communication between multiple sites or systems,enabling one or more sites or systems to use of the information obtainedfrom one or more other sites or systems. For example, communicationbetween sites over an external network allows for information such asweather information to be shared and factored into tinting decisions andBMS or other system operations for each affected building. In certainembodiments, the master window controller 1402 and/or the master networkcontroller 1403 are designed or configured to communicate with thewindow system or component thereof such as a data warehouse.

System 1400 also includes EC devices 400 of the tintable windows (notshown) and wall switches 1490, which are both in electroniccommunication with master window controller 1402. In this illustratedexample, master window controller 1402 can send control signals to ECdevice(s) to control the tint level of the tintable windows having theEC device(s). Each wall switch 1490 is also in communication with ECdevice(s) and master window controller 1402. An end user (e.g., occupantof a room having the tintable window) can use the wall switch 1490 tocontrol the tint level and other functions of the tintable window havingthe EC device(s).

In FIG. 1F, master window controller 1402 is depicted as a distributednetwork of window controllers including a master network controller1403, a plurality of intermediate network controllers 1405 incommunication with the master network controller 1403, and multiplepluralities of end or leaf window controllers 1110. Each plurality ofend or leaf window controllers 1110 is in communication with a singleintermediate network controller 1405. In some embodiments, intermediatenetwork controllers 1405 operate according to their own rules oralgorithms; i.e., they may operate somewhat autonomously. In someembodiments, intermediate network controllers 1405 operate under thedirection of the master network controller 1403. In some embodiments,master network controller 1403 is configured to override the commands ofintermediate network controller 1405.

Although master window controller 1402 is illustrated as a distributednetwork of window controllers, master window controller 1402 could alsobe a single window controller controlling the functions of a singletintable window in other embodiments. The components of the system 1400in FIG. 1F may be similar in some respects to components described withrespect to FIG. 1D. For example, master network controller 1403 may besimilar to master network controller 1103 and intermediate networkcontrollers 1405 may be similar to intermediate network controllers1105. Each of the window controllers in the distributed network of FIG.1F may include a processor (e.g., microprocessor) and a computerreadable medium in electrical communication with the processor.

In some embodiments, master network controller 1403 or other componentof the window network is configured to perform an authenticationprocess, e.g., through handshaking, to recognize some or all devicesthat make up the window network (e.g., the master window controllernetwork 1402). For example, through authentication, master networkcontroller 1403 may determine that a particular electrochromic windowwith an electrochromic device 400 belongs on the window network bychecking the identity or authentication certificate of theelectrochromic window or electrochromic device 400, e.g., stored in thememory of a pigtail or otherwise associated with the window, e.g.embedded in the secondary sealing volume of an insulated glass unit.This authentication process may take place, e.g., during initial sitecommissioning or when any new addition or replacement (e.g.,electrochromic window, controller, sensor, system, etc.) to the windownetwork is made. Similarly, in some embodiments, site monitoring systemB 112 or processing center in FIG. 1C may be configured to authenticatethe master network controllers 1403 of each site in electricalcommunication with it, e.g., wirelessly through network 1410. In someembodiments, master network controller 1403, and other interfaces of thewindow network that are in electrical communication with network 1410may have a firewall or other malware protection.

In FIG. 1F, each leaf or end window controller 1110 is in communicationwith EC device(s) 400 of a single tintable window to control the tintlevel of that tintable window in the building. In the case of an IGU,the leaf or end window controller 1110 may be in communication with ECdevices 400 on multiple lites of the IGU control the tint level of the

IGU. In other embodiments, each leaf or end window controller 1110 maybe in communication with a plurality of tintable windows. The leaf orend window controller 1110 may be integrated into the tintable window ormay be separate from the tintable window that it controls. Leaf and endwindow controllers 1110 in FIG. 1F may be similar to the end or leafcontrollers 1110 in FIG. 1D and/or may also be similar to windowcontroller 450 described with respect to FIG. 5. In someimplementations, end window controllers 1110 may operate autonomously,e.g., according to their own rules and algorithms, which may includealgorithms directed by master network controller 1403 and intermediatenetwork controllers 1405. In some embodiments, master window controller1402 and/or intermediate network controller 1405 may override thecommands of end window controller 1110.

Each wall switch 1490 can be operated by an end user (e.g., occupant ofthe room) to control the tint level and other functions of the tintablewindow in communication with the wall switch 1490. The end user canoperate the wall switch 1490 to communicate control signals to the ECdevices 400 in the associated tintable window. These signals from thewall switch 1490 may override signals from master window controller 1402in some cases. In other cases (e.g., high demand cases), control signalsfrom the master window controller 1402 may override the control signalsfrom wall switch 1490. Each wall switch 1490 is also in communicationwith the leaf or end window controller 1110 to send information aboutthe control signals (e.g. time, date, tint level requested, etc.) sentfrom wall switch 1490 back to master window controller 1402. In somecases, wall switches 1490 may be manually operated. In other cases, wallswitches 1490 may be wirelessly controlled by the end user using aremote or user device 1401 (e.g., cell phone, tablet, etc.) sendingwireless communications with the control signals, for example, usinginfrared (IR), and/or radio frequency (RF) signals. In some cases, wallswitches 1490 may include a wireless protocol chip, such as Bluetooth,EnOcean, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, and the like. Although wall switches 1490depicted in FIG. 1F are located on the wall(s), other embodiments ofsystem 1400 may have switches located elsewhere in the room.

In some embodiments, remote or user devices 1401 (e.g., smart phones,tablets, etc.) may be used to issue control signals (e.g., tint levelcommands for one or more the switchable optical windows in communicationwith the window network). In some cases, the window system is configuredsuch that the remote or user devices may override the control signalsfrom master network controller 1403 to the window network, or from othercomponents of the window network, e.g., intermediate controllers 1405and end window controllers 1110, to the window network whether or notthere is a wall switch 1490 present, in order to control the tinting ofelectrochromic windows on the window network. In some cases, control ofthe window network is only partially based on user input or requests viauser devices 1401. For example, in some circumstances such as securitysituations or energy shortages, the user input may not override controlby the master network controller 1403 or other network component, oreven the external network 1410.

As stated, in some embodiments, a tint command issued by a user via auser device 1401 may override the control signals from the master windowcontroller 1402 to the window network; master network controller 1403may override the control signals from intermediate network controllers1405 to the rest of the window network; and master network controller1402 and intermediate network controller 1405 can override controlsignals from the end window controllers 1110 to the rest of the network.Through this hierarchy of window network control, operating rules andalgorithms can be overrode by components of the window network higher upin the hierarchy depicted according to FIG. 1F.

Wireless communication between, for example, master and/or intermediatewindow controllers and end window controllers offers the advantage ofobviating the installation of hard communication lines. This is alsotrue for wireless communication between window controllers and BMS. Inone aspect, wireless communication in these roles is useful for datatransfer to and from electrochromic windows for operating the window andproviding data to, for example, a BMS for optimizing the environment andenergy savings in a building. Window location data as well as feedbackfrom sensors are synergized for such optimization. For example, granularlevel (window-by-window) microclimate information is fed to a BMS inorder to optimize the building's various environments.

The references to a BMS in the above description can be replaced in someor all instances with references to a smart thermostat service or otherhome appliance service such as NEST. The communication between thewindow system and the BMS or home appliance service can be via an API asdescribed above.

Example Switching Algorithm

To speed along optical transitions, the applied voltage is initiallyprovided at a magnitude greater than that required to hold the device ata particular optical state in equilibrium. This approach is illustratedin FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a graph depicting voltage and currentprofiles associated with driving an electrochromic device from bleachedto colored and from colored to bleached. FIG. 3 is a graph depictingcertain voltage and current profiles associated with driving anelectrochromic device from bleached to colored.

FIG. 2 shows a complete current profile and voltage profile for anelectrochromic device employing a simple voltage control algorithm tocause an optical state transition cycle (coloration followed bybleaching) of an electrochromic device. In the graph, total currentdensity (I) is represented as a function of time. As mentioned, thetotal current density is a combination of the ionic current densityassociated with an electrochromic transition and electronic leakagecurrent between the electrochemically active electrodes. Many differenttypes electrochromic device will have the depicted current profile. Inone example, a cathodic electrochromic material such as tungsten oxideis used in conjunction with an anodic electrochromic material such asnickel tungsten oxide in counter electrode. In such devices, negativecurrents indicate coloration of the device. In one example, lithium ionsflow from a nickel tungsten oxide anodically coloring electrochromicelectrode into a tungsten oxide cathodically coloring electrochromicelectrode. Correspondingly, electrons flow into the tungsten oxideelectrode to compensate for the positively charged incoming lithiumions. Therefore, the voltage and current are shown to have a negativevalue.

The depicted profile results from ramping up the voltage to a set leveland then holding the voltage to maintain the optical state. The currentpeaks 201 are associated with changes in optical state, i.e., colorationand bleaching. Specifically, the current peaks represent delivery of theionic charge needed to color or bleach the device. Mathematically, theshaded area under the peak represents the total charge required to coloror bleach the device. The portions of the curve after the initialcurrent spikes (portions 203) represent electronic leakage current whilethe device is in the new optical state.

In the figure, a voltage profile 205 is superimposed on the currentcurve. The voltage profile follows the sequence: negative ramp (207),negative hold (209), positive ramp (211), and positive hold (213). Notethat the voltage remains constant after reaching its maximum magnitudeand during the length of time that the device remains in its definedoptical state. Voltage ramp 207 drives the device to its new the coloredstate and voltage hold 209 maintains the device in the colored stateuntil voltage ramp 211 in the opposite direction drives the transitionfrom colored to bleached states. In some switching algorithms, a currentcap is imposed. That is, the current is not permitted to exceed adefined level in order to prevent damaging the device (e.g. driving ionmovement through the material layers too quickly can physically damagethe material layers). The coloration speed is a function of not only theapplied voltage, but also the temperature and the voltage ramping rate.

FIG. 3 illustrates a voltage control profile in accordance with certainembodiments. In the depicted embodiment, a voltage control profile isemployed to drive the transition from a bleached state to a coloredstate (or to an intermediate state). To drive an electrochromic devicein the reverse direction, from a colored state to a bleached state (orfrom a more colored to less colored state), a similar but invertedprofile is used. In some embodiments, the voltage control profile forgoing from colored to bleached is a mirror image of the one depicted inFIG. 3.

The voltage values depicted in FIG. 3 represent the applied voltage(Vapp) values. The applied voltage profile is shown by the dashed line.For contrast, the current density in the device is shown by the solidline. In the depicted profile, V_(app) includes four components: a rampto drive component 303, which initiates the transition, a V_(drive)component 313, which continues to drive the transition, a ramp to holdcomponent 315, and a V_(hold) component 317. The ramp components areimplemented as variations in V_(app) and the V_(drive) and V_(hold)components provide constant or substantially constant V_(app)magnitudes.

The ramp to drive component is characterized by a ramp rate (increasingmagnitude) and a magnitude of V_(drive). When the magnitude of theapplied voltage reaches V_(drive,) the ramp to drive component iscompleted. The V_(drive) component is characterized by the value ofV_(drive) as well as the duration of V_(drive). The magnitude ofV_(drive) may be chosen to maintain V_(eff) with a safe but effectiverange over the entire face of the electrochromic device as describedabove.

The ramp to hold component is characterized by a voltage ramp rate(decreasing magnitude) and the value of V_(hold) (or optionally thedifference between V_(drive) and V_(hold)). V_(app) drops according tothe ramp rate until the value of V_(hold) is reached. The V_(hold)component is characterized by the magnitude of V_(hold) and the durationof V_(hold). Actually, the duration of V_(hold) is typically governed bythe length of time that the device is held in the colored state (orconversely in the bleached state). Unlike the ramp to drive, V_(drive,)and ramp to hold components, the V_(hold) component has an arbitrarylength, which is independent of the physics of the optical transition ofthe device.

Each type of electrochromic device will have its own characteristiccomponents of the voltage profile for driving the optical transition.For example, a relatively large device and/or one with a more resistiveconductive layer will require a higher value of V_(drive) and possibly ahigher ramp rate in the ramp to drive component. Larger devices may alsorequire higher values of V_(hold). U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/449,251, filed Apr. 17, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference,discloses controllers and associated algorithms for driving opticaltransitions over a wide range of conditions. As explained therein, eachof the components of an applied voltage profile (ramp to drive,V_(drive), ramp to hold, and V_(hold), herein) may be independentlycontrolled to address real-time conditions such as current temperature,current level of transmissivity, etc. In some embodiments, the values ofeach component of the applied voltage profile is set for a particularelectrochromic device (having its own bus bar separation, resistivity,etc.) and does vary based on current conditions. In other words, in suchembodiments, the voltage profile does not take into account feedbacksuch as temperature, current density, and the like.

As indicated, all voltage values shown in the voltage transition profileof FIG. 3 correspond to the V_(app) values described above. They do notcorrespond to the V_(eff) values described above. In other words, thevoltage values depicted in FIG. 3 are representative of the voltagedifference between the bus bars of opposite polarity on theelectrochromic device.

In certain embodiments, the ramp to drive component of the voltageprofile is chosen to safely but rapidly induce ionic current to flowbetween the electrochromic and counter electrodes. As shown in FIG. 3,the current in the device follows the profile of the ramp to drivevoltage component until the ramp to drive portion of the profile endsand the V_(drive) portion begins. See current component 301 in FIG. 3.Safe levels of current and voltage can be determined empirically orbased on other feedback. U.S. Pat. No. 8,254,013, filed Mar. 16, 2011,issued Aug. 28, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference, presentsexamples of algorithms for maintaining safe current levels duringelectrochromic device transitions.

In certain embodiments, the value of V_(drive) is chosen based on theconsiderations described above. Particularly, it is chosen so that thevalue of V_(eff) over the entire surface of the electrochromic deviceremains within a range that effectively and safely transitions largeelectrochromic devices. The duration of V_(drive) can be chosen based onvarious considerations. One of these ensures that the drive potential isheld for a period sufficient to cause the substantial coloration of thedevice. For this purpose, the duration of V_(drive) may be determinedempirically, by monitoring the optical density of the device as afunction of the length of time that Vdrive remains in place. In someembodiments, the duration of V_(drive) is set to a specified timeperiod. In another embodiment, the duration of V_(drive) is set tocorrespond to a desired amount of ionic charge being passed. As shown,the current ramps down during V_(drive). See current segment 307.

Another consideration is the reduction in current density in the deviceas the ionic current decays as a consequence of the available lithiumions completing their journey from the anodic coloring electrode to thecathodic coloring electrode (or counter electrode) during the opticaltransition. When the transition is complete, the only current flowingacross device is leakage current through the ion conducting layer. As aconsequence, the ohmic drop in potential across the face of the devicedecreases and the local values of V_(eff) increase. These increasedvalues of V_(eff) can damage or degrade the device if the appliedvoltage is not reduced. Thus, another consideration in determining theduration of V_(drive) is the goal of reducing the level of V_(eff)associated with leakage current. By dropping the applied voltage fromV_(drive) to V_(hold), not only is V_(eff) reduced on the face of thedevice but leakage current decreases as well. As shown in FIG. 3, thedevice current transitions in a segment 305 during the ramp to holdcomponent. The current settles to a stable leakage current 309 duringV_(hold).

FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram of some components of a window controller450 and other components of a window controller system of disclosedembodiments. FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of a windowcontroller, and more detail regarding window controllers can be found inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/449,248 and Ser. No. 13/449,251,both naming Stephen Brown as inventor, both titled “CONTROLLER FOROPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS,” and both filed on Apr. 17, 2012, and inU.S. patent Ser. No. 13/449,235, titled “CONTROLLING TRANSITIONS INOPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES,” naming Stephen Brown et al. as inventorsand filed on Apr. 17, 2012, all of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entireties.

In FIG. 4, the illustrated components of the window controller 450include a window controller 450 having a microprocessor 410 or otherprocessor, a power width modulator (PWM) 415, a signal conditioningmodule 405, and a computer readable medium 420 (e.g., memory) having aconfiguration file 422. Window controller 450 is in electroniccommunication with one or more electrochromic devices 400 in anelectrochromic window through network 425 (wired or wireless) to sendinstructions to the one or more electrochromic devices 400. In someembodiments, the window controller 450 may be a local window controllerin communication through a network (wired or wireless) to a masterwindow controller.

In some embodiments, a master controller may distribute or offload tasksor computing loads to window controllers and/or network controllers.Such distributed computing logic system may be implemented for variousreasons such as because the window controllers and/or networkcontrollers have additional computing power that can be used to assistthe master controller. For example, the window controllers and networkcontrollers may assist the master controller by receiving and completingcomputations used in operation and maintenance of the window network.Window control systems may, e.g., be designed with extra computing powerat the window controller level, network controller level and/or themaster controller level so that computing loads can be distributedacross the system.

In disclosed embodiments, a site may be a building having at least oneroom having an electrochromic window between the exterior and interiorof a building. One or more sensors may be located to the exterior of thebuilding and/or inside the room. In embodiments, the output from the oneor more sensors may be input to the signal conditioning module 405 ofthe window controller 450. In some cases, the output from the one ormore sensors may be input to a BMS or to a window system. Although thesensors of depicted embodiments are shown as located on the outsidevertical wall of the building, this is for the sake of simplicity, andthe sensors may be in other locations, such as inside the room or onother surfaces to the exterior, as well. In some cases, two or moresensors may be used to measure the same input, which can provideredundancy in case one sensor fails or has an otherwise erroneousreading.

Room Sensors and Window Controller

FIG. 5 depicts a schematic diagram of a room 500 having a tintablewindow 505 with at least one electrochromic device. The tintable window505 is located between the exterior and the interior of a building,which includes the room 500. The room 500 also includes a windowcontroller 450 connected to and configured to control the tint level ofthe tintable window 505. An exterior sensor 510 is located on a verticalsurface in the exterior of the building. In other embodiments, aninterior sensor may also be used to measure the ambient light in room500. In yet other embodiments, an occupant sensor may also be used todetermine when an occupant is in the room 500.

Exterior sensor 510 is a device, such as a photosensor, that is able todetect radiant light incident upon the device flowing from a lightsource such as the sun or from light reflected to the sensor from asurface, particles in the atmosphere, clouds, etc. The exterior sensor510 may generate a signal in the form of electrical current that resultsfrom the photoelectric effect and the signal may be a function of thelight incident on the sensor 510. In some cases, the device may detectradiant light in terms of irradiance in units of watts/m² or othersimilar units. In other cases, the device may detect light in thevisible range of wavelengths in units of foot candles or similar units.In many cases, there is a linear relationship between these values ofirradiance and visible light.

Irradiance values from sunlight can be predicted based on the time ofday and time of year as the angle at which sunlight strikes the earthchanges. Exterior sensor 510 can detect radiant light in real-time,which accounts for reflected and obstructed light due to buildings,changes in weather (e.g., clouds), etc. For example, on cloudy days,sunlight would be blocked by the clouds and the radiant light detectedby an exterior sensor 510 would be lower than on cloudless days.

In some embodiments, there may be one or more exterior sensors 510associated with a single tintable window 505. Output from the one ormore exterior sensors 510 could be compared to one another to determine,for example, if one of exterior sensors 510 is shaded by an object, suchas by a bird that landed on exterior sensor 510. In some cases, it maybe desirable to use relatively few sensors in a building because somesensors can be unreliable and/or expensive. In certain implementations,a single sensor or a few sensors may be employed to determine thecurrent level of radiant light from the sun impinging on the building orperhaps one side of the building. A cloud may pass in front of the sunor a construction vehicle may park in front of the setting sun. Thesewill result in deviations from the amount of radiant light from the suncalculated to normally impinge on the building.

Exterior sensor 510 may be a type of photosensor. For example, exteriorsensor 510 may be a charge coupled device (CCD), photodiode,photoresistor, or photovoltaic cell. One of ordinary skill in the artwould appreciate that future developments in photosensor and othersensor technology would also work, as they measure light intensity andprovide an electrical output representative of the light level.

In some embodiments, output from exterior sensor 510 may be input to aBMS or window system. The input may be in the form of a voltage signal.The BMS or window system may process the input and pass an output signalwith tinting instructions to the window controller 450 directly orthrough a master window controller 1102 (shown in FIG. 1D). The tintlevel of the tintable window 505 may be determined based onconfiguration information, override values, etc. Window controller 450then instructs the PWM 415, to apply a voltage and/or current totintable window 505 to transition to the desired tint level.

In disclosed embodiments, window controller 450 can instruct the PWM415, to apply a voltage and/or current to tintable window 505 totransition it to any one of four or more different tint levels. Indisclosed embodiments, tintable window 505 can be transitioned to atleast eight different tint levels described as: 0 (lightest), 5, 10, 15,20, 25, 30, and 35 (darkest). The tint levels may linearly correspond tovisual transmittance values and solar gain heat coefficient (SGHC)values of light transmitted through the tintable window 505. Forexample, using the above eight tint levels, the lightest tint level of 0may correspond to an SGHC value of 0.80, the tint level of 5 maycorrespond to an SGHC value of 0.70, the tint level of 10 may correspondto an SGHC value of 0.60, the tint level of 15 may correspond to an SGHCvalue of 0.50, the tint level of 20 may correspond to an SGHC value of0.40, the tint level of 25 may correspond to an SGHC value of 0.30, thetint level of 30 may correspond to an SGHC value of 0.20, and the tintlevel of 35 (darkest) may correspond to an SGHC value of 0.10.

The BMS or window system in communication with the window controller 450or a master window controller in communication with the windowcontroller 450 may employ any control logic to determine a desired tintlevel based on signals from the exterior sensor 510 and/or other input.The window controller 415 can instruct the PWM 460 to apply a voltageand/or current to electrochromic window 505 to transition it to thedesired tint level.

The references to a BMS in the above description can be replaced in someor all instances with references to a smart thermostat service or otherhome appliance service such as NEST.

Control Logic for Controlling Windows in a Building

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing exemplary control logic for a method ofcontrolling one or more tintable windows at a site, according toembodiments. The control logic uses one or more of the Modules A, B, andC to calculate tint levels for the tintable window(s) and sendsinstructions to transition the tintable window(s). The calculations inthe control logic are run 1 to n times at intervals timed by the timerat step 610. For example, the tint level can be recalculated 1 to ntimes by one or more of the Modules A, B, and C and calculated forinstances in time t_(i)=t₁, t₂ . . . t_(n). n is the number ofrecalculations performed and n can be at least 1. The logic calculationscan be done at constant time intervals in some cases. In one cases, thelogic calculations may be done every 2 to 5 minutes. However, tinttransition for large pieces of electrochromic glass can take up to 30minutes or more. For these large windows, calculations may be done on aless frequent basis such as every 30 minutes. Although Modules A, B, andC are used in the illustrated embodiment, one or more other logicmodules can be used in other embodiments.

At step 620, logic Modules A, B, and C perform calculations to determinea tint level for each electrochromic window 505 at a single instant intime t₁. These calculations can be performed by the window controller450 or by a window system. In certain embodiments, the control logicpredictively calculates how the window should transition in advance ofthe actual transition. In these cases, the calculations in Modules A, B,and C can be based on a future time around or after transition iscomplete. In these cases, the future time used in the calculations maybe a time in the future that is sufficient to allow the transition to becompleted after receiving the tint instructions. In these cases, thecontroller can send tint instructions in the present time in advance ofthe actual transition. By the completion of the transition, the windowwill have transitioned to a tint level that is desired for that time.

At step 630, the control logic allows for certain types of overridesthat disengage the algorithm at Modules A, B, and C and define overridetint levels at step 640 based on some other consideration. One type ofoverride is a manual override. This is an override implemented by an enduser who is occupying a room and determines that a particular tint level(override value) is desirable. There may be situations where the user'smanual override is itself overridden. An example of an override is ahigh demand (or peak load) override, which is associated with arequirement of a utility that energy consumption in the building bereduced. For example, on particularly hot days in large metropolitanareas, it may be necessary to reduce energy consumption throughout themunicipality in order to not overly tax the municipality's energygeneration and delivery systems. In such cases, the building mayoverride the tint level from the control logic to ensure that allwindows have a particularly high level of tinting. Another example of anoverride may be if there is no occupant in the room, for example, over aweekend in a commercial office building. In these cases, the buildingmay disengage one or more Modules that relate to occupant comfort. Inanother example, an override may be that all the windows may have a highlevel of tinting in cold weather or all the windows may have a low levelof tinting in warm weather.

At step 650, instructions with the tint levels are transmitted over asite network to window controller(s) in communication withelectrochromic device(s) in one or more tintable windows 505 in thebuilding. In certain embodiments, the transmission of tint levels to allwindow controllers of a building may be implemented with efficiency inmind. For example, if the recalculation of tint level suggests that nochange in tint from the current tint level is required, then there is notransmission of instructions with an updated tint level. As anotherexample, the building may be divided into zones based on window size.The control logic may calculate a single tint level for each zone. Thecontrol logic may recalculate tint levels for zones with smaller windowsmore frequently than for zones with larger windows.

In some embodiments, the logic in FIG. 6 for implementing the controlmethods for multiple tintable windows 505 in an entire site can be on asingle device, for example, a single master window controller. Thisdevice can perform the calculations for each and every window in thesite and also provide an interface for transmitting tint levels to oneor more electrochromic devices in individual tintable windows 505.

Also, there may be certain adaptive components of the control logic ofembodiments. For example, the control logic may determine how an enduser (e.g. occupant) tries to override the algorithm at particular timesof day and makes use of this information in a more predictive manner todetermine desired tint levels. In one case, the end user may be using awall switch to override the tint level provided by the predictive logicat a certain time each day to an override value. The control logic mayreceive information about these instances and change the control logicto change the tint level to the override value at that time of day.

User Interface

The portion of the control logic employed by window controller may alsoinclude a user interface, in certain cases, in electronic communicationwith a master scheduler. An example of a user interface 1405 is shown inFIG. 7. In this illustrated example, the user interface 1405 is in theform of a table for entering schedule information used to generate orchange a schedule employed by a master scheduler. For example, the usercan enter the time period into the table by entering start and stoptimes. The user can also select a sensor used by a program. The user canalso enter Site data and Zone/Group Data. The user can also select anoccupancy lookup table to be used by selecting “Sun Penetration Lookup.”

User interface 1504 is in electronic communication with a processor(e.g., microprocessor) and/or in electronic communication with acomputer readable medium (CRM). The processor is in communication withthe CRM. The processor is a component of the window controller 1110. TheCRM may be a component of the window controller 1110 or may be acomponent of the BMS or site monitoring system. The logic in the masterscheduler and other components of the control logic may be stored on theCRM of the window controller 1110, the BMS, or the site monitoringsystem

User interface 1504 may include an input device such as, for example, akeypad, touchpad, keyboard, etc. User interface 1504 may also include adisplay to output information about the schedule and provide selectableoptions for setting up the schedule.

A user may input their schedule information to prepare a schedule(generate a new schedule or modify an existing schedule) using the userinterface 1504.

A user may enter their site data and zone/group data using userinterface 1504. Site data 1506 includes the latitude, longitude, and GMTOffset for the location of the site. Zone/group data includes theposition, dimension (e.g., window width, window height, sill width,etc.), orientation (e.g., window tilt), external shading (e.g., overhangdepth, overhang location above window, left/right fin to side dimension,left/right fin depth, etc.), datum glass SHGC, and occupancy lookuptable for the one or more tintable windows in each zone of the site. Incertain cases, site data and/or zone/group data is static information(i.e. information that is not changed by components of the predictivecontrol logic). In other embodiments, this data may be generated on thefly. Site data and zone/group data may be stored on the CRM of thewindow controller 1110 or on other memory.

When preparing (or modifying) the schedule, the user selects the controlprogram that a master scheduler will run at different time periods ineach of the zones of a site. In some cases, the user may be able toselect from multiple control programs. In one such case, the user mayprepare a schedule by selecting a control program from a list of allcontrol programs (e.g., menu) displayed on user interface 1405. In othercases, the user may have limited options available to them from a listof all control programs. For example, the user may have only paid forthe use of two control programs. In this example, the user would only beable to select one of the two control programs paid for by the user.

Examples—A Site Monitoring System

FIG. 8 shows an example of a dashboard for site monitoring system. Thedepicted view includes a row for each of multiple sites monitored by thesystem, with each row including a site name, its current status, and amost recent update time. The status row indicates whether or not allmonitored devices and controllers in the site appear to be functioningproperly. A green light may be used to indicate no problems, a red lightmay be used to indicate that a problem exists, and a yellow light may beused to indicate that a device or controller is trending toward aproblem. One field of the view provides a link to details about thesite. Thus, if the dashboard shows that there may be a problem at thesite, the user can obtain pull up event logs, sensor output, windowelectrical responses, etc. for the site. This allows the user to drilldown quickly to the precise issue while still having a high-levelpicture of any sites that have issues.

FIG. 9 presents an example of one type of site information that may beobtained by a site monitoring system. The graph presents the outputsignal from a photosensor over time. This information is presented withthe tint state of a window that is controlled using information from thesensor. As illustrated, the window tint state reasonably correspondswith the sensor output.

FIG. 10 presents another example of site information that may beobtained by a monitoring system. In this case, a window's response isshown in relation to commands issued by a controller for the window.

FIG. 11 shows yet another example of site information that can bemonitored and stored. This example shows state transitions of windows(using current, voltage, and controller commands) controlled by threedifferent network controllers in a site. If the transitions of one ofthe windows are inconsistent with expected behavior, it may indicate aproblem with the associated network controller.

FIG. 12 illustrates the case when multiple tinting operations arerequired to switch a device from one optical state to another. See case1g above. Each unsuccessful attempt to switch a device (whethersuccessful or not) impacts the lifetime of device. The lower tracerepresents the voltage to the window and the middle trace represents thecurrent to the window. In a properly executed transition, the appliedvoltage will settle to a hold voltage of about −1200 mV. Clearly, thisis not the case with the monitored window under consideration, asituation that may be flagged by the site monitoring system. In certainembodiments, the system includes an autodiagnostic function that notesattempts to double tint and double clear, situations that may result inearly failure.

FIG. 13 presents an example of monitored data that may be used todiagnose a potential problem with an electrical connector to a window orcontroller, possibly through a window frame or IGU. See monitoring case3b above. As mentioned, a “pigtail” is sometimes used to connect wiringfrom a power source to the window. In some cases, the connecter connectsdirectly to a controller. The information contained in FIG. 13 showsthat a constant command was issued by a high level controller (e.g., amaster network controller). See the flat line, third from the top.However the window controller's applied voltage and current (lower andupper traces) show rapid and significant changes, which may be diagnosedas a problem with the connection. In response, personnel can beinstructed to check the connection and replace it if necessary.

FIGS. 14A-D illustrate monitored information relating solar radiation(as detected by photo detector on the site exterior) to window tintingand heat load. FIGS. 14A and 14C illustrate monitored data for aproperly functioning controller and window, while FIGS. 14B and 14Dillustrate data for an improperly functioning controller and/or window.In FIG. 14A, the darker curve represents irradiance (W/m2) over time asdetected by the photo detector, while the lighter more linear plotrepresents the tinting state of a window facing the same direction asthe photo detector. As expected for a properly functioning tintingalgorithm, the window tints when the solar irradiance increases. Bycontrast, the tinting shown in FIG. 14C does not follow an expectedpath; it drops to a high transmissivity state during maximum solarexposure.

This situation may be automatically detected and flagged by the sitemonitoring system. The system may include further logic for determiningwhether this otherwise problematic situation is actually acceptable dueto, e.g., a common override for the subject window or controller at thesite. If such override is identified, the monitoring site may concludethat no problem exists and/or that it should change the tintingalgorithm to capture the override.

FIG. 14B illustrates the radiative heat load through a window (or groupof windows) at the site as a function as a function of time. The uppercurve represents the radiative heat flux (W/m2) that the building wouldreceive if no tinting was applied. The lower dashed curve represents theactual radiative heat load at the site when the window(s) in question istinted according to the properly functioning algorithm as depicted inFIG. 14A. The flat middle dashed line represents a designed maximumradiative heat load that may be associated with a standard window type(e.g., static tinted glass or low E glass). As shown in FIG. 14B, theactual radiative heat load is well below both the no-tint heat load andthe designed heat load. In this situation, the site monitoring systemwill not flag a problem. It may, however, calculate and optionally saveor present the quantity of energy saved using the switchably tintingwindows. Energy can be calculated from the area under the curves. Thedifference between the area under the upper solid curve (no tinting) andthe lower dashed curve (controlled tinting) corresponds to the energysaved using controlled tinting in the site under consideration.Similarly, the difference between the area under the middle dashed line(design heat load) and the lower dashed curve (controlled tinting)corresponds to the energy saved in comparison to a standard staticapproach to managing radiant heat flux.

FIG. 14D illustrates the heat load as in FIG. 14B but for thepotentially problem tinting reflected in FIG. 14C. In this case, theheat load temporarily exceeds the design heat load, but stays well belowthe heat load that would result from no tinting. Over time, thiswindow/controller still saves energy in comparison to the design heatload.

FIG. 15 illustrates monitored data for multiple windows having differentswitching characteristics and possibly having different sizes. Eachtrace in the figure represents the switching voltage over time for adifferent window. As shown, different windows exhibit differentswitching times; the lowest V trace is for a window having the longestswitching time. In the depicted example, the different windows are partof the same bank or zone and consequently should transition at the sameor similar rates. When the monitoring system receives data as shown inFIG. 15 it can automatically determine that the switching times varywidely and possibly well out of specification. This may trigger anadjustment in the switching algorithm for some or all of the windows;the algorithm may be changed to slow the transition rate of fastswitching windows and/or increase the rate of slow switching windows.

FIG. 16 provides monitor information showing that the zone underconsideration has a potential problem or error because one of thecontrollers is out of sync with rest of the controllers in the zone.With such information, the monitoring system or personnel accessing thesystem can further investigate the problem to isolate the controller,its connections, a window it controls, etc.

FIG. 17 provides monitor information for four photosensors, each facinga different direction, on a site. The East sensor has stopped working asshown by its output value dropping to near zero and then not changing atall. Because the other sensors are still reading and the time is earlyin the afternoon, the system can eliminate the possibility that no lightis hitting the site exterior, which could also lead to the very lowreading. The monitoring system may conclude that the East photosensorhas failed.

FIGS. 18A-I present an example of field degradation and detection usingfeatures 1.a, 1.b and 1.f from the “Data Monitored” section: changes inpeak current, changes in hold (leakage) current, and comparison withother window controllers on the same facade with identical loads. Inthis example, window controllers WC1-WC11 have similar loads (twointegrated glass units/controller) and they control windows on samefacade. Controller WC12 is on same facade but has half the load (1IG/controller). Stored information on the controllers is provided in thegraph of FIG. 18A, where W, H, and SF are the windows' widths, heights,and square feet (area). The system expects that controllers WC1-WC11will have the same drive and hold current profiles.

In FIGS. 18B-E, which present plots of controller current readings takenon March 1, 4, and 5, the lower flat bottomed curve is the appliedvoltage to drive a window transition. See the labels WC1V for March 5,WC09V for March 1, WC10V for March 4, and WC9V for March 5 (FIG. 18E).As seen, the applied voltage profile is the same; all controllers areidentically driven. All other curves represent current from thecontrollers, and all controllers except WC12 have identical loads.Hence, the system expects the current curves for WC1-WC11 to be same forsame. The site monitoring system analyzes and compares the currentcurrents, and finds that WC11 has two issues (a) its current profile hasan uncharacteristic dip in it in the middle of a ramp (b) it draws abouthalf the peak current (about as much as WC12 level) compared toWC1-WC10, suggesting that one of the two windows controlled by WC11 wasnot getting tinted. Manual inspection of the windows confirmed found onewindow controlled by WC11 was not tinting properly. Further inspectionshowed that one window of two controlled by WC11 was not tinting due topinched cable which ultimately stopped working, which is why WC11 had anuncharacteristic current profile that eventually resembled WC12 whichdrives a single window.

Analysis of WC11 from earlier dates (February 8-10 in the graphs FIGS.18F-H) shows that it had characteristics of a failing controller.Current drawn from WC11 had spiky drops and increases in currentevidencing onset of the problem. With auto detection, the sitemonitoring system could have found this problem and flagged it to fieldservice before one of the windows stopped tinting and became anoticeable problem.

Mechanical Shades

While certain disclosure emphasizes systems, methods, and logic forcontrolling optically switchable devices (e.g., electrochromic devices),these techniques can also be used to control mechanical shades or acombination of optically switchable devices and mechanical shades. Sucha mechanical shade may, for example, include an array ofmicroelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices or other electromechanicalsystems (EMS) devices. Windows having a combination of electrochromicdevices and EMS systems devices can be found in PCT internationalapplication PCT/US2013/07208, titled “MULTI-PANE WINDOWS INCLUDINGELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES AND ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS DEVICES,” filed onNov. 26, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety. Mechanical shades typically have different power requirementsthan certain optically switchable devices such as electrochromicdevices. For example, while certain electrochromic devices require a fewvolts to operate, mechanical shades may in some instances require largervoltages in order to establish sufficient potential to physically movethe mechanical feature.

Microblinds and microshutters are examples of types of EMS devices. Someexamples of microblinds and microshutters, and their methods offabrication are described respectively in U.S. Pat. No. 7,684,105 andU.S. Pat. No. 5,579,149, both of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

In certain embodiments, a mechanical shade may be an array of EMSdevices, where each EMS device including a portion (e.g., a hinge or ananchor) attached to the substrate and a mobile portion. When actuated byelectrostatic forces, the mobile portion may move and obscure thesubstrate. In the unactuated state, the mobile portion may expose thesubstrate. In the example of some microblinds, the mobile portion may bean overhanging portion of a material layer that curls when actuated byelectrostatic forces. In the example of some microshutters, the mobileportion can rotate or curl when actuated. In some cases, the EMS devicesmay be actuated and controlled by electrostatic control means. In theexample of microshutters, the electrostatic control means may controlthe angle of rotation or curl to different states. The substrate withthe array of EMS devices may also include a conductive layer. In theexample of microblinds, the microblinds are fabricated using a thinlayer(s) under controlled stress. In embodiments with an array of EMSdevices, each EMS device has two states, an actuated state and anunactuated state. The actuated state may render the array of EMS devicessubstantially opaque and the unactuated state may render the array ofEMS devices substantially transparent, or vice versa. The actuated andunactuated states may also switch between substantially reflective (orabsorptive) and substantially transparent, for example. Other states arealso possible when the array of EMS devices is in an actuated orunactuated state. For example, microshutters, a type of MEMS device, maybe fabricated from a tinted (but non-opaque) coating, which when shutprovide a tinted pane, and when open the tint is substantially removed.Further, some arrays of EMS devices may have three, four, or more statesthat are able to be transitioned to. In some cases, the EMS devices canmodify visible and/or infrared transmission. The EMS devices may reflectin some cases, may be absorptive in other cases, and in yet otherembodiments may provide both reflective and absorptive properties. Incertain embodiments, the EMS devices may be operated at variable speeds,e.g., to transition from a high transmission state to a low-transmissionstate, or a no-transmission state. In certain cases, the EMS devices maybe used in conjunction with an electrochromic device (or other opticallyswitchable device) as a temporary light blocking measure, e.g., to blocklight until the associated electrochromic device has transitioned to alower transmissivity state or a higher transmissivity state.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: (a) a plurality of windows,each window of the plurality of windows having at least one switchableoptical device; and (b) a window network comprising: a plurality of endwindow controllers configured to control a tint level of the at leastone switchable optical device of each window of the plurality ofwindows, a plurality of intermediate controllers, each intermediatecontroller configured to couple with one or more of the plurality of endwindow controllers, and a master controller configured to couple witheach of the plurality of end window controllers and/or the plurality ofintermediate controllers, and configured to couple with a network,wherein control of the switchable optical devices of the plurality ofwindows is distributed across the plurality of end window controllers,the plurality of intermediate controllers, and the master controller,wherein the window network is configured to control the plurality ofwindows based at least in part on user input received by the windownetwork.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the window network is furtherconfigured to convey a user request to control the switchable opticaldevices of the plurality of windows.
 3. The system of claim 1, whereinat least one of the plurality of end window controllers is configured toreceive the user input.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein at least oneof the plurality of intermediate controllers is configured to receivethe user input.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the master controlleris configured to receive the user input.
 6. The system of claim 1,wherein the window network is configured respond to a user's remotecontrol device.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a wallswitch connected to the window network and/or one or more of theplurality of windows, wherein the wall switch is configured to issuetint level commands to the one or more of the plurality of windows. 8.The system of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of sensorsconfigured to provide sensor input to the window network.
 9. The systemof claim 8, wherein the window network is further configured to controlthe switchable optical devices of the plurality of windows based atleast in part on the sensor input.
 10. The system of claim 1, whereinthe window network is further configured to control the switchableoptical devices of the plurality of windows based at least in part oninformation obtained by the window network.
 11. The system of claim 1,wherein the window network is configured analyze data gathered from userinteractions with the window network and modify a mode of operating theoptically switchable devices of at least some of the plurality ofwindows based on the data gathered from user interactions.
 12. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the window network comprises a firewall. 13.The system of claim 1, wherein the master controller is configured torecognize each of the plurality of intermediate controllers, each of theplurality of end window controllers, and each of the plurality ofwindows.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the master controller isconfigured to override the control of at least one of the plurality ofintermediate controllers and at least one of the plurality of end windowcontrollers.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of theplurality of intermediate controller is configured to override thecontrol of at least one of the plurality of end window controllers. 16.The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of end windowcontrollers is configured to operate in accordance to a first rule set,each of the plurality of intermediate controllers is configured tooperate in accordance to a second rule set, and the master controller isconfigured to operate in accordance to a third rule set, the first,second, and third rule sets being the same or different from each other.17. The system of claim 1, wherein distribution of the control of theplurality of windows is changeable by increasing or decreasing thenumber of end window controllers or the number of windows.
 18. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the master controller is configured toauthenticate one or more of the end window controllers and/or one ormore of the intermediate controllers.
 19. The system of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of windows and the window network are installed in abuilding.
 20. A method implemented on a plurality of sites, wherein atleast one of the plurality of sites comprises: a plurality of windows,each window of the plurality of windows having at least one switchableoptical device; a plurality of end window controllers configured tocontrol a tint level of the at least one switchable optical device ofeach window of the plurality of windows; a plurality of intermediatecontrollers, wherein each intermediate controller is coupled with one ormore of the plurality of end window controllers; and a master controllercoupled with each of the plurality of intermediate controllers and anexternal network, wherein control of the plurality of windows isdistributed across the plurality of end window controllers, theplurality of intermediate controllers, the master controller, and theexternal network, the method comprising: (a) analyzing data, by logic,gathered from at least some of the plurality of windows, end windowcontrollers, intermediate controllers, and/or the at least one mastercontroller at the plurality of sites and learning a modification and/ora mode of operation; (b) applying, by the logic, the modification to atleast one of the plurality of sites such that the control of theplurality of windows is based in part on the modification and/or mode ofoperation learned by the logic; and (c) providing the data gathered fromat least some of the plurality of windows and/or controllers at theplurality of sites to the external network.
 21. The method of claim 20,wherein the plurality of sites further comprises a plurality of sensors,wherein the data gathered comprises sensor data from the plurality ofsensors.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the data gathered comprisesdata on energy savings for at least one of the plurality of sites. 23.The method of claim 20, wherein the modification and/or mode ofoperation is based at least in part on a user preference.
 24. The methodof claim 20, wherein the method further comprises responding to aremote-control device.
 25. The method of claim 20, wherein at least oneof the plurality of sites further comprises: a plurality ofcommunication interfaces coupled with the plurality of end windowcontrollers.
 26. The method of claim 20, wherein the master controlleris configured to utilize the logic for applying control algorithms thatincorporate the data collected on the external network.
 27. The methodof claim 20, wherein the master controller is configured to couple withat least one third-party device for sending and receiving controlsignals.
 28. The method of claim 20, wherein the control of theplurality of windows employs the data gathered and provided to theexternal network.
 29. The method of claim 20, wherein the control of theplurality of windows is further based at least in part on a user inputprovided via the external network.
 30. The method of claim 20, whereincontrol of the plurality of windows may be redistributed by increasingor decreasing the number of the plurality of end window controllers orthe plurality of windows.
 31. The method of claim 20, wherein thecontrol of the plurality of windows is based at least in part on a userinput.
 32. The method of claim 20, wherein analyzing data comprisesanalyzing data gathered on weather for at least one of the plurality ofsites, and wherein the control of the plurality of windows is based atleast in part on weather data.
 33. The method of claim 20, wherein thecontrol of the plurality of windows controls a temperature of at leastone of the plurality of sites.